I’ve often heard my elders quote ‘George Bernard Shaw’ and tell me that ‘Youth is wasted on the young’. So today, on the eve of my birthday, as age is obviously on my mind i’d like to shine a spotlight on our cherished elderly generation. This isn’t to evoke guilt or sadness, but to celebrate and appreciate our seniors, especially those residing in aged care. This topic holds a special place in my heart because, apart from being our beloved parents and grandparents, aging is a journey we will all embark on.
There’s a wealth of wisdom to take from our elders, both from their trials and their successes. It’s crucial that we empathise with any possible embarrassment and frustration they may feel as their bodies and minds gradually change. They may now rely on assistance for everyday tasks they once mastered effortlessly. What they truly deserve is not just respect and dignity, but also our time and presence. My mum is still a spring chicken, but I’ve often had her remind me (whilst I roll my eyes at her attempt to master an iPhone) that I may be clever now, but she once had to teach me how to hold a spoon!
Our elderly loved ones don’t expect us to be by their side every moment, but when we are together, let’s truly be present. Let’s put our phones down unless it’s to capture a precious moment in a photograph. Invite the children, even if you worry about the chaos they might bring. Cherish every minute with them, remembering them as the vibrant individuals they once were, not solely as they are now. Most importantly, extend the same respect and love they’ve always given us, for they are an integral part of who we are, and their love remains as strong as it was when they held us in their arms for the first time.
Lastly, as you reflect on their lives and the part they played in your own, remember that our elderly loved ones, like all of us, were imperfect people navigating the complexities of life. They may have made mistakes, and their actions might not always have been easy to understand, but beneath it all, they were simply human, just like you and me, living life with knowledge but often lacking in wisdom, until now, when it no longer holds the same priority as it once did.
When the time comes for them to leave this world, seek whatever means necessary to find your own peace, for we enter this world alone and depart in the same manner. It’s the journey in between that we shape, and it’s up to us to make it meaningful.
Thanks for reading,
Vicky Senior ❤️