Help your Elders Live a Cheerful Second Innings
Sweet Sixties, Seventies and Eighties….
Seen them? Early morning, taking a morning walk slow as a turtle? Watching birds, staring at the sun, trying to appear as bored as possible. They’ve had their time, they have been a youngster like you, laughing their way through their twenties.
Do they remind you of your grandfather? Grandmother? Or yourself, after a few years?
After a few years, you might be like them. The silent violet in the winter garden. As yourself, would you want to be that person? If no, then you might as well think of the old age people existing around. At home, or at a relative’s.
How do you ensure that they live a happy life? How can you ensure that the rest of their years are smooth?
Here are a few things you might consider:
Psychological Issues
They are turning old, and weak. They might even feel useless, and guilty of living a worthless life. Talk to them. Consult them when you face difficulties. Let their vast experience come handy. If you’re starting a new job, ask them about their bosses. Let them speak up. Also, request (not assign) them to do small routine tasks like ensuring water tank is full and the motor is switched off timely. This would build their self-worth.
The Generation Gap
They grew up without an iPad. They came home early on Fridays. They might grimace at the pop culture. Sometimes they’d feel left out. Try involving them, point out the similarities. Tell them and show them the online version of the age-old games they played during childhood.
The Health.
This is one of the most important areas. Their reflexes are slowing. They can’t climb to the fifth floor without panting. They feel dependent. Empower them. Tell them that a walking stick isn’t a necessity but a tonic. And be very careful about the way you compliment them. Avoid starting sentences like “At this age… .. ” Don’t let them feel they’re old yet.
Also, they wouldn’t want to eat the way they need to. They want to stay away from medicines, from boiled vegetables and easy-to-chew salads. They would like to believe that they are as fit as they were in their thirties. While you can’t change much of their diet, you can give them company. For a change, try having their diet with them.
Ageing can be difficult. They have substantially much more time to enjoy the pleasure of doing nothing, to the extent that they feel bored and worthless. Yes, there are a few people who gracefully accept the second innings. The idea is to encourage living. Help them volunteer in different causes, encourage them to take the long pending vacation. Apart from all these things, the best you can do is lend them an ear. All they need is some time from their beloved kids!
