ROdown Blog
Practicing kindness
Sometimes we forget about the older generations among us. We get so caught up in our own lives that we don’t remember those around us who may need some extra love and attention. Even if you don’t have an older person in your family, showing kindness to the ones you encounter during your day can make more of a difference than you realise.
The United Nations has declared October 1st as the International Day of Older Persons. It is a day to recognise the contributions older persons have made to your lives and on a wider scope, to their community. While things are being done on an international and national level to make this day special, it doesn’t really feed to us unless we find a way to make a difference in the lives of the older persons we encounter during the course of our day, or week or lifetime.
The big question is: What can WE do to make the older persons in our lives feel special and loved?
As much as it is a cliché, in this case it’s true: it’s the little things that count. The same things that make you go 'Wow, thanks', are the same things that make a difference in the lives of older people:
- Chatting with a complete stranger while waiting for a bus or train;
- Helping someone with their bags if you see them struggling;
- Speaking up when you feel someone has been wronged in some way;
- Giving up your seat on the bus;
- Smiling as you walk by and saying 'good morning or good afternoon'
And what about those particularly close to us?
It’s easy to just forget sometimes. We maybe see our grandparents at Christmas, and we may gifts for our birthdays. Those that have a strong relationship with their grandparents are the lucky few and far between.
For the rest, we miss out on some good stuff... Hearing their stories about what their lives were like, how they fell in love, what they did as young people, what are the issues they dealt with and having them understand us.
So...what are we going to do to make older persons, strangers and family, feel special and loved?
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14 Comments
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jomend725
about 2 years ago
Reply ReportBoth of my grandparents have passed away. I was in terrible grief when I lost them because they took care of me since I was a child. So every time I see elderlies, I remember them.
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anna
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportI'm sorry I missed this! They are all great ideas :)
I am lucky to still have three grandparents alive, and I try not to take them for granted. I have learnt so much from them - they've achieved some pretty amazing things and have lived through a lot of really tough times, especially the ones who lived in Berlin during WWII - so I've learnt a lot both in terms of factual and life lessons, and they have all definitely helped shape me to be the way I am.
They appreciate a phone call or a letter or a visit so much - so while I was away for the last 6.5 weeks they were the ones I sent the most postcards to.
When I was at school I did volunteer work in a couple of old people's homes (part of school compulsory service the Duke of Edinburgh award) - and the time we took to talk with these people each week was so appreciated.
I have to admit it made me feel good too; it's a two way street for sure.
sO_kukiie
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportAlso bella ehts a greaht idea ayee making old people feel as if there young ii agree. Its inspiring seeing a smile on their faces.
sO_kukiie
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportOhkay well ii tOtally agree because ehts all right. Wether yOOre yOung Or Old eht dOsnt matter. And this lady ii would love to hear others stories she has. xOx
NadineF
over 2 years ago
Reply Report@Antria She sounds like one tough cool chick! It's amazing, we always think about the huge differences between our generations and the older ones and their experiences, but sometimes forget to look at the stuff that are so much the same..like growing up and getting through adolescents for example.
Sounds like you have a fantastic relationship with her Antria! enjoy it :)
Antria
over 2 years ago
Reply Report@NadineF, she has told me lots of stories but mostly about her life growing up. Things like what it was like during the war (food/clothing stamps), how they brought out 'new fashion' as in the big poofy dresses which were a sign of wealth and prosperity after the war of having to make clothing from the least fabric possible - how she bought a beautiful grey dress in the new fashion and then everyone wanted to borrow it, haha.
She also has sad stories, about how she had a disabled child in the years when those children were removed into institutions rather than living with their families. How she left her husband and made a new start for herself in a generation where there was no social security.
She strikes me as a really strong person, because she was a tomboy and even wagged school, lol, even though girls were supposed to be a certain way 90 years ago. She has lived through all of these experiences and tough times, and watched her child and step-child die and supported three generations of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren...and yet she still paints, sews some of her clothes (she is actually quite fashionable, for her age!), checks out the guys in the movies and tells me she thinks they are a bit of alright, hahaha (awkward!). Its pretty hard not to have respect for someone like that because you can see that they have wisdom and life expeirence that you could never begin to match at this age!
miss atreyu
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportAs a gen y I found it awkward to talk to the elderly until I started working in aged care as a cleaner. It's nearly been three years i have worked there and grew a great compassion and bonds with the residents working there five days a week they become like family, and i have learn lots from there life experiences I love to look over their photo's with them and listening to the wonderful things they've done in their life, just smiling and saying good morning asking them how they are just makes there day. It really opened my eyes and since then I have grown closer to my grandparents, and to the elderly i'll always have a few minutes for them :)
NadineF
over 2 years ago
Reply Report94! wow that's so fantastic! Has she told you any great history stories you'd like to share? I'd love to hear some :)
Antria
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportMy Nan is 94 this month and she still loves on her own. She has lived through so much of Australia's history and she has such an open minded approach to the world! I always feel really blessed to have the opportunity to talk to her and learn from her. Not only that, I know that whoever else may be in or out of my life I always have a date for the movies, hahaha. We usually do dinner or a movie once a fortnight.
Alphabet
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportI love this idea. I know for me not having grandparents around me i love talking to the older people that come into my workplace and each day i tend to always learn something new about the world or have the chance to connect with another person.
NadineF
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportBecks
I really love the idea of spending time with those living in retirement villages. Sometimes the smallest thing makes a difference, like just going in and having a chat with someone or letting them show you their family photos.
m_m, I agree they sure love to talk! :) I miss my grandparents a lot for their stories. I too lived with mine until they passed away. It really is a special experience.
I am sure your efforts to do little things will not go unnoticed. :) I will try to do the same.
mischief_managed
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportI really think that simple things count as so much for the elderly. I know that my grandmother gets so much joy just taking me out for afternoon tea (I always offer to pay but she refuses to allow me... GRR!).
Bella.
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportHmm I like this idea.
Drakus
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportWow. First comment to me.
Two sayings:
1. There is no country for old men.
2. If you want to know something, ask three old people.