All or almost all of us have an elderly person at home or nearby. I had not touched on this very important topic: “honor your father and your mother.” Perhaps that is the basis of what I am going to say. Sometimes, it is not your father; sometimes, it is your grandfather; sometimes, it is a brother, older or younger than you, but it is already an elderly person who, for some reason, was left in your care. What to do with an elderly person, whoever it may be? It could even be your husband. The other day I met a couple in which the husband is 20 years older than the wife. It is not the same to be 85 than to be 65. Even if they are spouses and have lived together all their lives, the differences can become more pronounced over time, especially in matters of health and memory, such as Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
What to do with an elderly person?
Let him talk, win, tell, shout, pray, grow old, live and travel.
Let him talk: In his past there is a treasure full of truth, beauty and goodness. They want to tell you their things, even if they say them repeatedly and you already know them. Let him talk; it is one of the few things he can still do.
Let him win: In discussions, because he needs to feel sure of himself. Sometimes, an older adult says something that is not true, and you, being younger and having more access to information, know what the truth is. But what do you gain by showing him that he is wrong about things that are not important? Let him win in those unimportant things.
Let him tell his repeated stories: Because he feels happy when we listen to him.
Let him shout: When he is wrong, because the elderly are not like children. They have the right to understanding. You can impose on a baby or a small child, silence them with a cell phone or an ice cream, but an elderly person deserves to be heard, even if he shouts because he thinks he is right.
Let him pray: As he knows and wants, because he discovers the presence of God in his path. Being 20 years old is not the same as being 85. An older adult knows where he is approaching and needs to pray. Let him pray.
Let him grow old: With the same patient love with which you let your children grow, let your parents grow. Let them grow old because everything is part of life and nature. You demand that a young person work, exercise, learn, have fun, have schedules and projects. Let an elderly person grow old. He feels tired, wants to stay in bed longer, wants to sit up. Yes, encourage him, accompany him, help him take more steps and take advantage, but let him live his old age.
Let him live: Among the things he has loved. Do not take away pieces of his life. If he wants to drink three or four cups of coffee, let him. If he wants to listen to music all the time, let him. Let him live with what he likes.
Let him travel: In the family car when they go on vacation. Vacations by car with my grandparents are some of the fondest memories of my childhood. Their stories, jokes, anecdotes and memories are treasures. Invite them to travel while they can.
One day, you and I will be older adults. Treat older adults as one day you would want to be treated. Let’s do all the good we can. May God bless you always.
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