In fact, my parents will soon be considered senior citizens (and this indirectly implies that I am actually a grown up now :/ ) , and over time, I have noticed many noticeable changes in their behavior that are typical of the elderly people (and kids obviously!) I have interacted with.
They initially exhibit obstinacy. They tend to be somewhat stubborn, if not entirely. My nani (maternal grandmother), for example, sometimes acts like a child. If she wants something, say supaari (betel nut), she wants it at the very moment. This is very similar to the situation when a child requests something and you are unable to fulfil it for whatever reason:). You can guess what happens next. And this isn't just the case with my nani! This is a very common behavior I've observed in all the aged people I've met.
Secondly, older people value the little things just like children do. They also value the emotions rather than the monetary value of something, similar to how children are content with the simplest of things. I once made a card for my nanaji (maternal grandfather) when I was around 10 years old . And believe me when I say that card was just covered in doodles. To be completely honest, I would blush in shame if I were to see that card right now. My nanaji, on the other hand, was ecstatic that I created a card for him. I'm not sure what made him so happy, but he was ecstatic to see that I did something for him. He valued my feelings of love and affection for him more than the card's aesthetic value. Similar to this, whenever you do something for children, they are overjoyed. They believe they have earned everything. They are such angelic souls, don't you think?
Additionally, just as children yearn to be constantly surrounded by their loved ones, seniors yearn for the same thing: constant presence of their family and loved ones. They desire to feel important by virtue of being there. They aspire to live close to their families and cherish every second of it. For example, in June of this year, I went to my mother's nani-gaam (Nani's place), and on the way back, my grandfather began crying uncontrollably. He wasn't unaware that we'd be leaving one day. He truly understands our situation as a mature and wise person, but he was saddened by the sudden realization that there would be no one to talk to now. Life would revert to its original state. He would now have to go through the same mundane routine, and his unexpected outburst of emotions caused him to cry. It is true of all elderly people; my grandfather is not the only one. Just some of them can do so more effectively than others when it comes to expressing their emotions. In fact, make an effort to feel this the next time you visit your grandparents. You can better understand someone else's situation if you try to feel things from their point of view.
And lastly, just like children, elderly people need our care and affection. They only have a reason to live because of our unwavering love and care for them. We should make an effort to always make them feel special. I am aware that in today's society, we frequently lament the lack of time we have for things like this. However, if something or someone is truly important to us, we work incredibly hard to find time for them. These people don't require material possessions, as I already mentioned. The value of emotions. Perhaps we should attempt to communicate with them every 4-5 days or so. Nothing fancy. They may smile and forget their worries simply by being asked about their day. Trust me, it's all in the little things folks!
Adding some of my favorite quotes-
"Capriciousness is the preserve of the old. So marvelous to be able to let random thoughts pour from the mind to the tongue without pause or retribution" ~ Hannah Rothschild
" Love, care and treasure the elderly people in the society." ~ Lailah Gifty Akita
I am glad that you enjoyed reading this! Really means a lot to me :D
ReplyDeleteThat was amazing going through this article great job!
ReplyDeleteAspecting some thing like this soon
Thank you so much for your supportive words! Really means a lot to me :D
Deleteits very nicely articulated . just a cent of thought - their is a difference between children and senior citizens…. Later one has something called experience of life which doesn’t fade with age while children start their life with empty bowl of experience…so when senior citizens ask for Sth and not been done on time means things are really late, on the other hand children yell because they don’t know, how much time it take to get something.. hope we all understand this difference
ReplyDeleteYaar!!! It’s really soothing to read it bcoz of the way you described it… it’s the little things that matters a lot. And many fail to take note of those little things and regret it after its gone completely
ReplyDelete