Have elders at home? Want to keep them engaged and cheerful? Read ahead.
Tackling elders at home is like tackling small, young ones.
They can be equally fussy, obstinate, childish, sensitive and on the positive side, have similar wavelengths like children! No wonder grand parents vibe well with grandchildren! Okay, let' get down to business.
Elders have plenty of time at their disposal.
A religious orientation like getting up early and going to a church, meeting the people there and offering prayers would be a very good beginning for the day.
Convince them to stick to a proper, healthy and nutritious diet that can be followed regularly and once this is done, their other activities can be scheduled accordingly, without worrying about their health factors generally.
Elders constantly need to feel loved and wanted, so it is imperative that they are a part of the family meal at every time.
Discussing and seeking their opinions is very valuable to them.
Include them in all family conversations and giving personalized attention pleases them to no end, even though they may outwardly claim to be very independent and act like God! Let them watch TV programs, listen to their favourite music, go for walks, chat with friends or neighbours, get them some club memberships where they can play snookers or whatever they like.
This is just one aspect.
Another very important aspect is the quality time they spend with their grandchildren.
Engage them to walk with their grandchild or play, share stories and jokes, involve the young ones in religious activities etc.
This is very important for elders!!! They need to be assured that they are there as guiding lights to their next generations and by just looking at the grandchild, elders feel happy and touched by the sheer goodness and innocence.
Makes them believe in the presence of God and goodness in the world! Talking and spending time with elders also can stop them feeling bored or lonely.
Elders need lots of love and people around them and if someone spends even a little time with them, they are pleased immensely.
Playing some indoor games like chess or carrom, speaking to them about their experiences in life and adventures, never leaving them alone (if possible), discussing finance with them and seeking their opinion about saving costs and the various means to do it, giving them small jobs like gardening or watering the plants, their own pet like a dog or cat, taking them shopping and buying clothes or jewellery for them can all keep them well occupied.
If they are fond of books, enroll them in a library or buy them books or arrange for online reading.
Teach them to play cards on the net or chess games and they will never get bored! Try to update their knowledge everyday and give them something new to think about in the net.
It can be philosophy, religion, recipes, cooking, boating or anything.
Browsing the Internet can really prevent boredom, but see to it that they do not get addicted and sit continuously and strain themselves too much! In conclusion, planning and organising their time and keeping constant tabs and showing love and affection is the main key to keeping elders happy and cheerful.