What You Can Learn From Elderly People
August 30th, 2010
Have you ever taken the time to listen to an elderly person? I mean, really listen? I love hearing their stories of triumph and tragedy, pain and love. They have so much experience, that if we’d only take the time to listen, we could probably save ourselves a lot of grief.
It’s easy to view an elderly person we pass on the street as someone who drives too slowly or who is in our way. But they have so much to share and so much to give us if we’d only take the time.
The truth is, yes, they were young at one time and they had the same fears and hopes and dreams as we all do who are much younger than they are now. They have regrets and they can tell us what they would do all over again if they could. That’s something we could all learn from.
So, the next time you see an elderly person, think about taking the time to sit down and talk to them. Sit, listen and learn. You might be amazed at the wisdom they can share.
Nik Halik is an inspirational speaker and world traveler. For more information visit:
http://tiny.cc/MUHEo or Follow Me: http://www.Twitter.com/NikHalik
January 22nd, 2012 at 7:33 am |
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October 12th, 2011 at 8:16 am |
Thanks a bunch for your information, always good to read through others perspectives and thoughts
August 31st, 2010 at 2:24 pm |
Hi, Nik, me again. I was so effusive in my praise of active seniors in my last comment that I wanted to thank you again for bringing attention to those elders who are slow and truly aging. Like you said, they are remarkable, have accomplished so much and done so much, especially for our country, that we should respect them and treat them well, and yes…as you said, listen to their wisdom. When my Dad was in a nursing home, most people would not go to visit with me, saying it was too gloom and doom, but it is exactly the opposite. As I went to my Dad’s room each time, I would stop and talk to each person seated in the hall by their room. I would compliment the women on how pretty they looked, and the men on how handsome they were, and I always made sure to give them a friendly hug or touch. We would have wonderful conversations, and their eyes would get a wonderful new and happy light in them. Their faces would light up because someone was paying attention to them, besides the staff, who are usually very busy. My daughter was a Penny-striper, and used to feed a man that the nurses could not get to eat. He would eat every bite when my daughter fed him, because she did it with a smile. Yes, they have wonderful stories, and they also need love and affection. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Boy or Girl Scouts would each adopt an elder in a nursing home? What a great way to link those generations.
And those Scouts would no doubt benefit from the wonderful stories from those men and women. I can not tell you how much I appreciate your recognizing our seniors. They have been our forgotten generation. You are special!
Warm regards, and have another sensational day!
Kay
August 31st, 2010 at 12:55 am |
Thanks, Nik, for your respect for the elderly. Yes,they have lots of wisdom, but many in their eighties and nineties still have plenty of vim and vigor, too. I know of a man who still runs marathons at 80, a woman who rides her motorcycle at 78, another woman who just won a Senior beauty contest at 74, and is still beautiful. Another friend of mine is 94, still serves senior lunches to seniors much younger than herself, and also volunteers in the hospital gift shop.
Seniors are terrific, and we have them to thank for the freedom we have today, with their sacrifices, saving, and wonderful knowledge. Think about this — sometimes we seniors have to take time from our busy lives to sit down and listen to the younger folk, learn computer skills and other knowledge from them, too, so it’s an even exchange.
Again, thanks for your very kind thoughts about seniors. I sell senior apparel that says “I’M A SENSATIONAL SENIOR!” on my website - http://www.shirts4seniors.com - and “Eternally Young!” shirts for women, so we are still in the ballpark of living life with zest. I, too, am a national speaker, and have been covering motorsports for 39 years, doing journalism and photography, winning national awards, and never plan to quit!
I’m pleased to be a member of the Thrillionaire Club!
Have a sensational day!
Warmest regards,
Kay
August 30th, 2010 at 5:52 pm |
Hello Nik,
I love older people, they do have so many experiences that are so worth listening to.
Others make fun of me because I do love to be with the elderly, I guess too with my Grandmother not here with us anymore it leaves a gap that needs to be filled.
It is so good to be with the young and the old!
Thank you for this nice message!
Yours,
Lynn
August 30th, 2010 at 5:33 pm |
Hello Nik,
Thank you for your inspirational piece on the elderly. From an early age, I hung out with older people. I enjoyed their wisdom. I loved walking around our neighborhood to talk with the older ladies who sewed, snapped beans on their porches, put up peaches, helped bring in hay and all of the other daily tasks that come with rural, farming life. Their wisdom carried me through some very lean times without my own mother.
As an adult, I worked many jobs where the elderly were customers or employees.
I enjoyed interacting with them. Finally I took a position with a private agency which assisted the elderly in their homes. I met many fine ladies who shared their stories of life. One whose husband had died ten year before still had his sweater hanging on the back of “his chair” at the kitchen table. That’s where she had me sit each time I cam for a visit. Another one of the elderly ladies taught me how to dance to some of the “old songs.”
The beauty in their eyes and joy in their voices was worth more than I received for wages. One of the ladies came to my wedding and proudly handed me a present; it was an afghan she had knitted with her arthritic hands. God bless her, and all elderly folks around the globe. They have so much to teach us, so much to share.
All best,
Freda