What would you say to children who have aging parents?
When we’re young we usually don’t think much about growing old, or about our parents growing old either””not until something forces us to think about it. But it will happen, if they live long enough. So the first thing I’d say to those whose parents are growing older is to be prepared for it, and to accept whatever responsibilities it brings you.
Then be patient with them. They may not be able to do everything they once did, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily helpless or incompetent. And be alert to their needs””including their emotional and spiritual needs. Sometimes they just need to know that you’re there, and that you care….
My first experience — many years ago — with aging was with a great aunt who’d suffered a stroke. I often saw her at holiday time and what I noticed most is that her family would finish her sentences given her dificulty with speaking. When she and I were one on one, I’d give her more time to speak and she’d gladly finish her sentences on her own. More often than not, her opinion differed from the one supplied for her.