5 Tips Of How To Befriend Elders

It was just the other day that my friend told me how very easy it was to befriend elders at home and in the neighborhood; elders were not only experienced to pass on life’s lessons to us, but we could also become an integral part of their lives and give them what they so much missed at this age. What she told me made me enumerate the 5 tips to befriend elders.

5 tips to befriend elders:

1.Our discussion led me to quote that visiting an elder means being someone that is eager to learn and discuss topics that arouse their interest and you like to share. You could make the visit special by bringing some food treat, or some interesting project you have completed or a magazine article you wish to share with them and be sure to take their opinion.

2. Most of us have learnt the art of talking, but we have forgotten the art of listening; be a patient listener to all the worries and concerns. You could also help them get information about things like some of the adverse effects of the new medicine they are eating by either browsing the net or getting information elsewhere. Elders like to be independent and do not wish to take advantage of others time; they would however feel better if being well informed.

3.Never be the decision maker, but a facilitator of a decision with discussing options with the elderly; being their advocate would give them the pride of still making their own decisions. Next, you may find sometimes they may be slow or may make mistakes; but allowing them to have a control over their decisions would empower them.

4.Depression is a common symptom of old age; elders feel they have lost purpose in life. Cultivating a willingness to learn from them makes them feel life has an important purpose. My friend regularly heard passages from the Geeta from an elderly person in her neighborhood and recited it next time she met her. The elderly person was motivated to look up and teach her new verses when my friend visited her next time. Being a visitor is a give and take opportunity; you could learn something new and the elderly person would feel fulfilled. 

5.Befriending elders does not mean allotting too much time; it just means quality time when both of you can maintain a healthy balance and be pleasant. So make sure you establish the time you can commit and maintain healthy boundaries that are beneficial for both.

There are staggering numbers of people that do not have a family or friends to support them; we could use these tips to befriend not only elderly friends in the neighborhood, but also our kith and kin at home.