The population of older adults is steadily increasing. In 2022, the National Council of Aging reported more than 58.7 million adults over the age of 65 living in the United States. Many of these older adults often carry a wealth of wisdom that can help younger generations navigate relationships, financial pressures and other stressors that come with life.
Each May, the Administration of Community Living leads the national celebration of Older Americans Month. No matter your age or stage of life, there’s always something to learn from our elders. The wisdom of age offers invaluable guidance, especially in navigating life’s challenges. Building and maintaining relationships with the elders in your life allows you to glean from their wells of knowledge.
What Is Veneration?
Veneration is an expression of respect or reverence for an elder’s talent, dedication or wisdom. It’s a great way to show appreciation to the older adult in your life.
Veneration can also bridge the gap between older and younger generations, like teens and seniors. Inviting your teenager to help with caregiving duties or getting them involved in local volunteer programs that assist the elderly are effective ways for them to connect with older adults. Your teen can gain valuable insights, such as the value of hard work, the importance of saving and managing finances and tips for prioritizing healthy communication.
Building a Relationship With Older Adults
From experience, elders know that community and conversation can go a long way. In 2023, the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA) reported that 37% of older adults experienced loneliness. Lonely elderly are at a higher risk of physical and mental health conditions such as heart disease, dementia, anxiety and depression. Taking time to call or visit an older adult neighbor or loved one can increase their physical and emotional well-being. It also gives you the chance to learn from the wisdom of age.
Building a relationship with your loved one may be challenging if you live far away. You may not know how to help a lonely parent or loved one find the consistent companionship or conversation they need. Thankfully, resources like companion care can help. Companion care services assist your loved one with non-medical activities and provide friendship and social connection.
Lesson We Can Learn From the Wisdom of Age
There is so much we can learn from the older adults in our lives. Here are just a few things their wisdom can teach us:
- Be Present: It’s easy to rush through life to reach certain milestones. Life is short and each moment should be cherished. Take time to slow down and be present for yourself and those around you.
- Take Care of Your Health: Neglecting your health can cause significant issues later in life. Listen to your elderly loved ones when they remind you to care for yourself physically and emotionally.
- Appreciate the Simple Things: Life is not about having the most expensive items. The most important things in life are the simple things, like conversations and quality time with loved ones. Make time to enjoy and appreciate the simple moments while you can.
- Be a Life-long Learner: You are always learning and growing no matter your age. Learning from life lessons can help you build resiliency and maintain perspective even in difficult circumstances.
Enjoy the Wisdom of Age From Your Elderly Loved One
Nothing matters more than making long-lasting memories with those you love, especially the elderly adults in your life. Our elders have a wealth of wisdom to give, and it starts when we take the time to slow down and listen. Whether it’s advice from dad or expert knowledge from mom, the wisdom we get from those we love is something to cherish forever.
Let FirstLight Home Care help the older adults in your life preserve their wisdom of age with our companion care services. Contact a location near you to get started.