Does one sometimes think, how can these “old” people still be as valuable as gold? I know some would casually say, why not, because “old is gold” or “old wine tastes better” or “old author’s books are great to read” – let’s look at the subject wearing clear hearted lens.
You will agree or one should not forget, the sense of family unity, love of community, respect and care for our fellow man instilled in children by our grandparents or in public the lovely senior citizens. This has all been lost in the absence of these valuable sources of knowledge and experience. You don’t need a charger or jump starter, all we need is, try speaking to them loud and clear or get them involved with you in the meal cooking process by inviting them to peel the potatoes or help with setting the dining table or switching the TV channel of their choice. Also, start a conversation, get them talking by asking about what life was like when they were young. Let them know that you love and appreciate them and that you’re proud to be part of their descendants.
On the flip side, some elderly folks in today’s society are treated more like old furniture than part of a family, how sad. They are dusted off every so often and taken out of the house for a trip or a restaurant; or they are simple placed in convalescent homes where they spend the rest of their life lonely and forgotten.
What we forget is or imagine that one day you may become a grandparent or a senior citizen and somebody tells you that you are old, without giving any thought, you will reply saying you are gold. Therefore, the younger generations must learn the importance of respecting the elders and make time to listen and spend quality with them.
Being polite to an elder is a demonstration of respect. If they are talking, listen to them. Don’t interrupt them, being respectful may not only brighten their day, but also yours, as you may learn a thing or two (or just feel good about brightening someone’s day!). Also, they have a lot to contribute with their decade of experiences, so seeking counsel from an elder is time well spent, not forgetting you will both appreciate the sentiment.
How many times we think of eating together with these elders, do you know it is one of the greatest social customs for mankind? If you treat them as modern, the reciprocal values will nourish your bodies, you also get to catch up some great stories and have fun as they bring themselves down to your age. Once they start, there is no end in discussing family heritage, history and traditions. Don’t forget they also educate about family genetics, personalities and life successes showing greater emotional resilience. A loving hand on your head is like a mantra of these elderly as it works like magic learning to empathise, maintain discipline as such habits stay with the children and help them become better people at the cost of loving the grand-parents or in public the senior citizens.
I conclude with two quotes from our own Pope Francis:
“No elderly person should be like an ‘Exile’ in our families. The elders are treasures to the society and the elderly are a reservoir of wisdom.”
