{"id":757,"date":"2016-11-24T13:31:43","date_gmt":"2016-11-24T13:31:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bayviewhealthcare.org\/?p=757"},"modified":"2016-09-16T13:33:21","modified_gmt":"2016-09-16T13:33:21","slug":"9-ways-honor-respect-elders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bayviewhealthcare.org\/9-ways-honor-respect-elders\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Ways to Honor and Respect Our Elders…"},"content":{"rendered":"

Respecting our elders should be a courtesy\u00a0ingrained\u00a0in every one of us. Common grace and manners are to treat elders with dignity and respect.\u00a0Sadly, these important dignities have been largely forgotten in today\u2019s society.\"Ways<\/em><\/p>\n

The Information Age has put technology at the forefront of human communication;\u00a0making today a little less personal than days of the past.\u00a0Between bustling schedules of juggling family life and work, in addition to reaching people through cyberspace as the main mode of connection; manners have somehow been forgotten. Instead of treating our\u00a0elders with the appreciation and respect\u00a0they deserve, many are often either too busy or simply dismiss them and their contributions to community and family.<\/p>\n

Ways to Honor Our Elders<\/h2>\n

Senior citizens have a lifetime of experience.\u00a0They comprise a\u00a0generation\u00a0that has survived The Great Depression, World War II, Vietnam and The Great Recession. These sage Americans\u00a0have a thing or two to teach us about enduring change and handling life\u2019s adversity.<\/p>\n

Even if a senior\u2019s hearing or memory isn\u2019t what it was\u00a0in the past, our elders have great wisdom to impart. It\u2019s one thing to read about Pearl Harbor, but\u00a0it\u2019s more engrossing to hear about it from someone with first-hand knowledge. Younger generations must learn the importance of respecting their elders and make time to listen and spend quality with them.<\/p>\n

The senior population, aged 65 and older,\u00a0has\u00a0more than doubled since 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that, in 2011, seniors accounted for 13.3% of the total population, with 9.2 million of those estimated to be veterans of the armed forces. Older Americans have a huge impact on our society, both past and present. From the wisdom and experience of the \u201cGreatest Generation\u201d to the vitality and engagement of the\u00a0retiring Baby Boomers, we need to remember and honor our older Americans.<\/p>\n

Read below for a few ways to recognize and appreciate our elders:<\/p>\n

1. Spend time with them (and listen intently).<\/h3>\n

Many seniors get lonely, whether they\u2019re retired and no longer have their work social schedule, or they\u2019re lost their spouse and some friends. Regardless, they still need a rich social circle for happiness as many can\u00a0get isolated over time;\u00a0which can lead to health decline. It\u2019s important to take time to visit elderly loved ones to not only spend precious time with them and learn from them;\u00a0but also give them purpose, as\u00a0relationships are key to healthy aging.\u00a0When in the presence of an elder, make sure to listen as the senior\u2019s words come from a place with many decades of experience. The conversation can be beneficial to both of you.<\/p>\n

2. Be\u00a0polite.<\/h3>\n

Being polite to an elder is a demonstration of respect. Older Americans grew up during a time when manners and respect were part of everyday etiquette. If they are talking, listen to them. Don\u2019t interrupt them or address them by their first name, unless given permission. Being respectful may not only brighten their day, but also yours, as you may learn a thing or two (or just feel good about brightening someone\u2019s day!).<\/p>\n

3. Ask for advice.<\/h3>\n

Sadly,\u00a0ageism exists, even though elders are some of the most wise people in society.\u00a0It\u2019s a shame to think that an elder, with a lifetime of experience, would be overlooked for their advice. Seniors have a lot to contribute to society through their life experiences, so seeking counsel from an elder is time well spent. You will both appreciate the sentiment.<\/p>\n

4. \u00a0Eat\u00a0together.<\/h3>\n

Eating together is one of the greatest\u00a0social customs\u00a0for mankind. While nourishing your bodies, you also get to catch up and have fun. Whether you venture to a favorite restaurant, pack a picnic, or visit your senior loved ones home, try to eat together on a regular basis.<\/p>\n

5. Discuss family heritage, history and traditions.<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s an undeniable strength in family stories. In fact, putting together an oral family history can not only bring family members together and\u00a0strengthen the ties between generations,\u00a0but they can also educate about family genetics, personalities, and more.\u00a0Family history translates into stronger family bonds and life successes. In fact,\u00a0recent studies\u00a0have shown that children who have more knowledge of their family history also tend to show greater emotional resilience, facing stress and challenges more effectively as they have a stronger sense of where they come from and who they are.<\/p>\n

A\u00a0survey\u00a0conducted by Harris Poll\u00a0and commissioned by A Place for Mom revealed the following topics were what U.S. adults wanted to know about their family members, specifically their moms:<\/p>\n