Growing up, our parents are the most important people in our lives. As we continue to get older, this still rings true. However, it can be hard to show how much you care when you are busy with your own kids, job, and outside life. Showing your elderly parents you care is extremely important, as it reminds them how thankful you are for them and how happy you are to have them in your life. Here are a few ways to show your elderly parents you care.
Spend More Time Together
Nothing sends a message quite like spending quality time together. Plan time to visit with your elderly parents as often as possible. Try to plan a weekly time to visit and watch TV or have lunch together once a month. If your parent is in good health, you can even spend time doing some more fun activities, such as going to the movies or taking a road trip together. Use this opportunity to visit some favorite locations from their past or cross a new destination off their bucket list.
Participate in Their Interests
Though you likely have different interests than your parents, participating and taking the time to learn about their interests will certainly show them you care. Your parent likely spent their whole life participating in the things you like and dislike—take some time to return the favor.
Connect Frequently
Visiting your parents in person may not always be a possibility. If you can’t visit as often as you’d like, check-in with frequent video or voice calls instead. Even a short call to tell your parent something that happened during the day shows you were thinking about them.
Involve Them More Often
Growing old can be a hard reality for some people, especially if it means you are no longer as active or involved as you once were. Involve your parents in family outings, game nights, or even just a weekend dinner to make them feel wanted. You can also help your parents get involved in local senior groups and activities where they can discover a new hobby, such as a senior exercise class.
Spending more time with your parents, participating in their interests, connecting often, and helping them get involved in the community are simple and easy ways to show your elderly parents you care.
