5 ways to cherish grandparents in their older years:
1. Listen, but really listen.
We often try and listen to our grandparents stories but are not actually paying attention that what they are saying. We also do not pay close enough attention to give them responses that we genuinely mean. So, as the years go on you may not know how much time is left to hear them out. Listen to what they are sharing, it is probably very valuable and the conversation that are ongoing are the ones we can take so much away from. Let them repeat them, you will want to remember them when you're older. 2. Include them with your life updates. Even if they do not completely comprehend, share your social life with them. It makes my grandparents so happy when I share personal events happening in my life. It also gives them something to talk about. They love hearing how thier grandchildren are doing and feeling important enough to be told. 3. refrain from complaints. Although sometimes it is difficult not to get frustrated with our grandparents. Many times mine ask a lot of questions or are unable to get to places as fast as they used to be. Be patient because the moments we complain are moments we will not get back eventually. Many times what people complain about is not even in their grandparents control and if they ask questions or nag us grandchildren, it is because they care. |
4. Weekly calls and/or visits.
It is hard to remember what other people are doing when in our fast-paced society everyone is self-focused, but if we keep in mind the lives of our grandparents we can see that they might be less consumed than us. If we take a few minutes of our week to call them and see how they are it might just make their day. It is the point that they were thought of that will bring them joy. 5. Accomodate them As our grandparents get older, they are unable to do everything at the same pace or in the same way. Walk slow with them or make it easy and unnoticeable that it is difficult for them. They may be embarrassed and there if you rush you are missing out on time with them. My grandparents do not walk as easily anymore as they used to. My cousins and I always try and remember to take our time with them so we can enjoy the long walks and we can make their troubles a way to give us time to bond with them. |