All human beings cherish affection and family bonds. However, the elderly are a group that values care and attention even more.
The Focus of Younger People
When people are younger, they feel energetic and determined to pursue their goals, which can be many: buying a bigger house or car, traveling to distant destinations, experiencing life outside their home country, investing in education, building a family, advancing in their careers, or exploring hobbies and new activities. The range of aspirations is vast and varies from person to person.
In this context, young people recognize the importance of affection and maintain family ties, but these moments of care and attention are just one part of a diverse set of activities they regularly engage in. As a result, their sources of personal gratification are varied and complement each other. In other words, if a young person goes several weeks without enjoying quality time with family, they may miss it, but they will not necessarily feel sad or isolated.
Additionally, they have their own close family (children, partner), which means they continuously give and receive affection.
The Interests of the Elderly
On the other hand, elderly individuals are no longer concerned with career progression or personal development. Their focus is on maintaining their health and quality of life. However, the lack of affection or care can lead them to dwell on their physical limitations and daily struggles, which, in the long run, can negatively impact their well-being and even reduce their longevity.
4 Suggestions to Strengthen Emotional Bonds with the Elderly
Celebrate Often
Celebrate all family achievements: a grandchild completing another school year, a pet’s birthday, a child’s new job, Grandparents’ Day, Mother’s Day, and more. Celebrations should be part of an elderly person’s life, as they not only break the routine but also bring joy, not just on the day of the event but in the following days as well, fostering a more positive mindset.
Involve the Elderly in Daily Tasks
If you need to organize a party, ask the elderly person to arrive early and participate in the preparations—helping in the kitchen, setting the table, decorating the space, or even looking after younger children. This will make them feel useful and engaged, offering them a fulfilling way to spend their free time.
Take Lots of Family Photos
Photographs capture the joy of special moments and can be shared with the elderly, allowing them to relive the memories and feel connected to their family, even in the days following the event.
Dedicate Quality Time to the Elderly
Engage in conversations about topics that interest them, whether reminiscing about past experiences or discussing current events. During these interactions, show that you are attentive and focused, avoiding distractions like using your phone. These conversations can also take place over a coffee outing or a walk in the park, garden, or by the beach. Alternatively, you can spend time together playing games, reading, or watching television. The possibilities are endless.
Respecting the Limitations of the Elderly
During all interactions, it is essential to remember that elderly individuals may have some limitations, such as speaking more slowly, repeating stories, taking longer to complete tasks, or experiencing hearing difficulties. Respecting these challenges is crucial to ensuring they do not feel belittled or undervalued.
The Importance of Strengthening Emotional Bonds
All these positive activities help reinforce the emotional bonds with the elderly, making them feel integrated into a happy, supportive, and secure family environment. By keeping themselves occupied, they will certainly experience both mental and physical well-being. On the one hand, they feel valued and supported by their family; on the other hand, they remain more active, positively contributing to their health and longevity.
If you would like to organize a party or a themed event, KindCare is available to help. Contact us for more information.