Experience is a degree

In this frenetic pace in which we live, older people are an essential counterpoint in the daily life of many families: they provide experience, time and, above all, serenity. They are always there when they are needed most (and they are needed a lot), aren't they?

The 26t of July is the Saints’ day of Saint Ann and Saint Joaquin, and it is also when Grandparents' Day is celebrated. Although this date passes by less noticed than Mother's Day or Father's Day, there is much to celebrate and there are many to do so. In fact, according to the latest report by the EU Institute for Family Policy, one in five people in Europe is over 65, that is about 20% of the total population.

Providing unconditional support in upbringing, a sentimental comfort and economic support in more situations than we would like, older people are a key part of our society and, sometimes, they do not receive the attention they should. How can the little ones be encourages to become closer to them? How do we, as adults, relate to our elders?

Listen:

• Encourage respect, whether or not they are older people you know.

• Seek a balance between the impatience of children and the serenity of grandparents, by setting the example. If they see you talking quietly, they will copy.

•Listen and wait for them to finish expressing themselves, including during any small battles. A willing listener is synonymous with happiness.

 Understand:

• Strive to come to terms with the little foibles they may have.

• Minimise the importance of those errors or oversights when they are not relevant.

• Put yourself in their place before evaluating their actions. Their management of time and priorities is different but, not worse.