Why Should We Promote Respect For Older People?
The culture of immediacy, technological advances and the distance that social networks sometimes cause tend to accentuate the generational gap, creating an abyss between one side and the other. However, promoting respect for older people has extremely positive consequences not only for children but also for grandparents.
Older people are the ones who often spend the most time with children. Acting by example is the fundamental way of transmitting to the little ones respect for the customs, beliefs and ways of living in the world that are typical of the elderly.
How to promote respect for the elderly?
Aging is the last stage of the life cycle. Organic changes affect the body, its mobility, its senses. All this causes emotional malaise in people as they age, sometimes leading them to an isolation without remedy. An elderly person living in solitude will be more prone to falling into a depression which will aggravate their health.
Promoting respect for older people must be based on loving care from younger adults. An active grandfather, who spends quality time with his grandchildren and participates in family life, travel and celebration, will be less likely to suffer the brunt of the years.
Of course, sometimes the relationship between different generations is difficult. Education is given according to different rules. It often happens, in fact, that differences of opinion arise regarding the solution of everyday problems, especially as regards the education of children.
Together with what has been said previously, we must consider the fact that children grow up in an age in which everything is resolved thanks to technology. As a result, they may come to believe that grandparents have nothing in common with them.
Coexistence between generations
The difficulty in achieving intergenerational coexistence increases if the parents of the children have had a distant relationship with their grandparents or with other elderly people. Living in a society that overestimates youth and rejects old age is nothing new.
In this sense, an obstacle that prevents promoting respect for older people is represented by stereotypes and prejudices. If in other times or in other regions it was the elderly who conveyed the wisdom of a people, it seems that in recent times this social function has been replaced by information technology.
In order to demolish stereotypes surrounding old age and to promote respect for older people, in 2017 the United Nations developed a program aimed at “enhancing the talent, contribution and participation of older people in society”. Thus, on October 1st of each year, the International Day of Elderly People began to be commemorated.
In social networks, you can find photographs of older adults doing the same activities as people of any age. In this way the feeling of equality is strengthened beyond the chronological age. Furthermore, meeting with grandparents is made a moment free from prejudice.
Benefits of the interaction between generations
Teaching and promoting respect for older people brings great benefits to both grandparents and children. We humans are intergenerational by definition. Of course, we are not just talking about respect for the elderly who are part of the family. In fact, we also refer to teachers, neighbors and all the people around us.
Older people who receive affection and respect from children are characterized by positive mood changes and a significant increase in vitality. Getting away from loneliness, feeling an integral part and active member of society and loving yourself are just some of the many benefits that come with this integration.
The benefits that come from the company of elderly people in the name of respect and affection are also very important for young people and children. The feeling of social belonging is strengthened in them too.
The wisdom and advice of grandparents and elders are forever remembered by children. Likewise, accepting and respecting old age as an integral part of the life process lessens anxiety and fear of growing up.
In conclusion, promoting respect for the elderly is a way of bringing our children and their grandparents closer to a healthy and harmonious coexistence. Respectful treatment of others, of difference, should prevail in any bond that is established between people.
