Whether we are children of aging parents or those very parents ourselves, we may agree that at this special natural juncture of life, many goals have been met and we find ourselves redefining our place and purpose in this world. 

For those of us who love and nurture someone older, we may consider what we speak about, how we initiate and sustain dialogue about important issues and how we hold hope for this time of life.  

If it is ourselves that are aging, what do we think about, plan for, and how do we gracefully accept this new role?

 

• What do we speak about?
  • Safety and Social
  • Home and Hearth
  • Health and Independence
  • Finance and Legal Matters
  • Competence and Wisdom
  • Future Goals and Plans
• Who initiates speaking about the concerns
  • If Unspoken, HOW do we begin
  • Attitude-Patience-Listening
  • Respect Response - Restate - Revisit - Reevaluate
• How do we talk?
  • What = Information
  • How = Communication
  • Talk with not to
  • Setting the stage
  • Style-Voice-Behavior-Message
• How do we uphold the crown of old age... hope?
  • Speak positively
  • Continue to make plans
  • Show appreciation for being included in conversation
  • Honor history, experiences and advice
  • Allow older adult to mentor us; there is much to learn
  • Forgive past transgressions
  • Make spiritual connections: rich tradition in our faith of elders
  • Resassure