They are the dearly beloved grandparents that willingly spoil their grandchildren with no limits. They are the aged, senior citizens, retired yet sprightly, staying in nursing homes. They are willing companions to garden club events, art classes, or even simple strolls at the park. They are the families and society’s elderly folks. Ted Landkammer, in his book, Poppies on the Hill, the author beautifully told a story centering on the relationship between the children and an elderly lady, meeting along the poppies on the hill in the springtime. The book highlights the importance of respecting other people, especially the elderly. These are some important values that people should live by; to honor and respect the elderly.
“The Elderly are a treasure for our society.”
Beautifully quoted by Pope Francis. The elderly are indeed the gems, the treasure of today’s society. With them comes the lesson and wisdom of the years. They are the keeper of family traditions. From them, families learned important lessons and values in the hope of not repeating the same mistakes that happened in the past. And with the ever-changing society, they are the ones that keep the present generation grounded on long-forgotten principles that hold society’s moral values intact. What other roles do our elderly play in today’s generation?
Different Perspective
Our elderly often have different views compared with today’s society. Their years of experience as part of a family and community have taught them almost uncontestable lessons that today’s youth should follow. They have seen the changes that took place within their time. Whether those are changes in the government or changes in the community, they have seen it all, both the good and the bad. Their knowledge is pure gold. In fact, what they know is often not included or even omitted in history books. Our elderly can help explain why we are what and who we are today. They say history is selective and subjective to the writer. But if an individual wants to find out about the truth in history, the best person to ask is our elderly.
Helping with House and Family Keeping
What’s great about our grandparents is that they’re just one call away. If their children need help with looking after their kids while they’re away, the grandparents are more than happy to take over the care and keeping of their grandchildren. There’s no other more trusted babysitter than the grandparents. Grandchildren are the joy of grandparents. They are often subjected to being spoiled by treats from their grandparents, albeit too much. One toothy grin from the youngsters is enough to melt the grandparents’ hearts. What’s even great about the grandparents looking after their grandchildren is that the grandparents often would take it upon themselves to clean and cook for the whole family! Isn’t that a wonderful treat?
Listening Ear
When a child is caught in a dilemma of who to talk to without any judgment, who do they run to? Their grandparents. Our grandparents are the best example of people who would sit quietly, always lending an ear to listen, and not once judging their grandchild by their actions. Their love is so unconditional that it’s almost reminiscent of a love that is timeless and boundless. They’d let their grandchildren, or even their children, rant and rave as much as they wanted. And when all is said and done, expect that cookie or cake, along with a glass of lemonade, or any drink, to calm and soothe their children or grandchildren’s anxious hearts.
Active Community Participants
When everybody else is busy, and the local community needs some participants to be engaged in the activities, you can count on the elderly folks to drop by and participate. Elderly persons are encouraged to stay socially active to slow down any symptoms of cognitive or apprehension decline. Being physically and socially active are currently the only known methods of preventing the development of dementia. It could be as simple as meeting and chatting with friends in their houses or the parks, taking walks or brisk joggings, walking the dog, playing chess in the park, joining community organizations or charity fundraisers events, volunteering in hospitals, and many more.
Our elderly are the gems of society. More than the knowledge, lessons, and wisdom they impart, something in their physical presence is calming, almost like a confidence booster. A child would dance beautifully and give their best on stage when they know that their grandparents are among the audience, watching and cheering on them. An individual would feel more confident in making decisions, knowing that their elderly parents are giving them their one hundred percent support. There’s that special warmth and glow in the community when its elderlies are out and about and participating in the different activities. In return, all that is asked from society is just to live by these values: to honor and respect their elderly.
The Damsel’s Files 