5 Considerations That Every Older Person Deserves
Intolerance in the face of old age is another of those contemporary evils that settled in the world gradually and without knowing at what time. From being a loving source of wisdom, older people became beings with whom many do not know what to do. As a number of years pass, many face rejection, forgetfulness, or contempt as they become older.
The contemporary ideal focuses on youth as the source of all well-being. Although this is false, many take it for true and act accordingly. Physical strength is now more or less a fetish. An older person does not fit into that equation and their vulnerability is not something you want to deal with.
The most fragile people are often relegated. This is the case with children, the elderly and the sick, among others. Young adults, healthy, strong and in full use of their potential, are always looking for someone to delegate the attention and care that are their responsibility. Whether we talk about your own children, or your own parents or relatives, it seems that there is no time for them.
That is why we want to dedicate this article to you, because with your struggle in life you have earned at least these five considerations that we are going to detail below.
Don’t try to change an older person
In itself, trying to change someone borders on disrespect. Who tells you that you have the truth, the reason or the power to try something like that? Only those who believe themselves better than others try to change others. And the concept of “better” or “worse” is extremely relative and very dangerous also when we use it in the first person.
Regardless of who we are talking about, an older person has already “fought in many places”. It has formed its own criteria, successful or not. It has acquired its own habits, tastes and customs. No one has the right to try to convince you that you should think or act differently. And, in fact, it is very likely that no matter how hard you try, you will not change your mind. By accepting them you avoid them and avoid unnecessary bad times.
Don’t get into arguments with them
Your father or grandfather may be convinced of something that may seem absurd to you. Their religious or political beliefs could be very different from yours. Older people, in good faith , sometimes want to try to convince you that they are right.
Do not forget that an older person has gathered a great baggage, which is not negligible at all. If you think as you think, it is not the result of chance, but of experiences and acquired knowledge. It is not a good idea to get into pointless discussions so that he can understand your point of view. Give him loving and respectful listening – he deserves it.
Support them in their interests and hobbies
Many times older people are shy or fearful of their own interests or hobbies. In today’s world, their word is not widely heeded, unless they occupy positions of power. Although many may appear bored or listless, there are many others who still feel they have messages to convey and those messages are important.
It can be reading, or gardening, or even sports. It would be nice if you tried to discover those orphan interests. And if you know them, or have found out what they are, it is worth supporting that person to go beyond interest. In the twilight of life, having a hobby or applied interest can be an extraordinary balm.
Accept their physical and cognitive limitations without criticizing them
They say there is a test that we should all do. Cover our ears with cottons, apply Vaseline on our eyes and tie two bricks to our legs. Then try to live like this for an hour. That way we would know what it feels like to be in old age. Perhaps that way we would also learn to be more tolerant of the limitations of the elderly.
If you walk with an older person, walk at their own pace and do not ask for more than they can give. If he doesn’t listen to you when you speak, make an effort to speak louder and clearer, rather than berating him for not hearing you. Listen to his health complaints without being obfuscated and treat him as you would like to be treated at his age.
Overlook their manias
Some older people can be quite fickle and stubborn. They can even be mischievous or challenging. In truth, there is a time when they behave like children again. And in the midst of that late-life infantilism there are a few who develop outlandish behaviors.
Remember that behind the way an older person acts there is a reason. They are going through very big changes and they are faced with the idea that they are going to die in a few years. Their stubbornness and whims help them to compensate for their feeling of vulnerability or their fear. Do not give these behaviors more importance than they have.
Parents or older grandparents are also a source of wisdom, even if they have not learned to read and write. Listening to them and spending time with them can nurture your heart in surprising ways. Embracing their vulnerability makes you a better person and gives your life a deeper meaning.
