Listening to the Elderly
Posted: Sunday, February 21, 2010
by Carolyn Tytler
Elderly people, relatives or not, can sometimes be pains in the neck. They have a variety of aches and pains which they love to describe in agonizing detail. Their mobility may be limited, so they can't participate in the more active pursuits dear to the hearts of younger family members, and they are often not "with it". Many modern trends and inventions are either beyond their comprehension or considered not worth bothering about.
*They are walking history books. They can tell tales of life in the "old days" which you cannot remember, but which will make interesting anecdotes to pass along to your children and grandchildren.
*Elderly relatives are links to the past. Do you remember your great-grandparents or your great-aunts and uncles? Have you inherited any of their talents or weaknesses? Your elderly relatives can probably pass on some intriguing information.
*Believe it or not, the elderly often have a vast store of wisdom about human relations. Human nature does not change much from generation to generation. Marital and relationship problems are much the same now as they were when Grandma and Grandpa were young. Ask for advice; they will be extremely honoured and gratified and you just may find some helpful information.
* Even hearing about the aches and pains will be useful someday. Youth doesn't last forever. Many illnesses and disabilities are hereditary, and you may fall victim to some of the ailments presently afflicting an elderly relative . I remember when my mother suffered from arthritis, the remedies she found useful, and those which were a waste of time and money. Now, I'm glad I listened..
*Elderly relatives are a time-limited resource. Everyone has an expiry date. Don't procrastinate long before taking advantage of these fonts of useful knowledge.
* You will receive a personal benefit from kindness shown to elderly relatives.The Fourth Commandment promises to Christians and those of the Jewish faith: "Honour thy father and thy mother, that thou mayest be long lived upon the land which the Lord thy God will give thee."
* Others should pay heed to the adage: "What goes around, comes around." If you are generous with the time you spend with elderly relatives, you are purchasing insurance against being lonely and forgotten in your own old age.
* Any time and attention you bestow on elderly relatives now will save you from future guilt and regrets when they pass on, as we must all do eventually.
Those who are generous and wise will make it a priority to spend time visiting and listening to elderly relatives. Not only will it be of benefit to the older folks whose choice of enjoyable activities have probably shrunk to a pathetic few, but it will be advantageous and educational for younger family members also.
" The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person." Andy Rooney
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