We live in 21st century where Change is fast and constant, there is so much happening in our life and its difficult to keep the pace and take everyone along. New Development, urge to grow, explore new things and stay ahead from all; is not only taking toll on our mental and physical health but also on our relationship. In all this, fast 'vertical growth' of our life we unknowingly leave behind some and the gap between generations is growing. While we move ahead we forget basic ethics of life which can keep bond between families and humans intact. In this life journey our Elders at home and elders in our life suffer most and they live life in isolation and loneliness. Our Elder deserve Respect and they need us, they need youth to connect with them. Different generations coming together will not only help our human development and keep family together but it will also let our Elders know that we value them, we care for them, we respect them.
Don't Leave Your Elders Behind
With our Silver Innings experiences and wonderful article by 'Wits End Parenting and Hunter Rising' we have found out some basic ways, Tips; which will help you to start the conversation and connect to your Elders and these meaningful ways will help to build wonderful relationship with your elders. Our mission is to #LeaveNoOneBehind .
Tip 1 : Give them a Call, it can be either audio call or video call and message them when ever you have time. It might be not possible to visit them, but hearing your voice or seeing you, will make them feel good and they will appreciate it.
Tip 2 : Whenever possible visit them it can be surprise visit. Plan a visit according to their daily routine, seeing you in person and that face to face chat will boost their well-being.
Tip 3: Elders like when someone greets them, shake hand, giving hug or say Namaste. Talk to them in normal tone, talk slow and in simple language; remember happy face makes things better; communication is important for any relationship.
Tip 4: Elders love when we seek their Advice. They are rich source of experience, they have knowledge, they have lived the life of ups and down. You can seek their advice on job, relationship, happy life and issues you are not clear about, elder like to be heard and let them know you appreciate their advice.
Tip 5: Everyone of us has a story and our Elders have many stories to be told. They love to talk about their life, their job, their travel, their friendship, their family moments, their struggle; give them ears and they will love you.
Tip 6: Elders like when you give them compliment and when you admire them; tell them that they have made good contribution to family, they have made positive contribution to you and people around. Appreciate them.
Tip 8: There is nothing in this world better then enjoying meal together; sitting down and having tea, coffee, snack or meal together is excellent way of socializing and bonding. Have a 'Meal Date' with Elder and make that small meal chat, its Friendship between generation.
Tip 9: We all love Celebration, whether its festivals, match, win or our special days, birthdays. Celebrate these Special days with your elders, either at home, planned holiday or hotels. Let them know they are not Forgotten.
Tip 10: Due to ageing, ours Elders have specific needs, it can be while sleeping, seating; make them comfortable, be gentle to them, understand them and ask them if they need anything.
Tip 11: It is always better to make person independent and not be over protective, Elders will need space, let them do things till they can. Make things easier for them.
Tip 12: If you don't have your home nearby or your elder staying near you, its nice to reach out to elders in community, society, elder home, nursing homes, assisted living, dementia home, adult day care. Visit once a week or when ever you have time and spending meaningful time with elders through activities, events, picnics, recreation, entertainment; will only add life to years of these elders.
Creative by Gayatri Patel - GGrafix360
Concept by #SilverInnings
