Do you actually listen to what your senior friend has to say or do you assume that you already know? If your conversation topics are usually the weather or what happened on a favorite television show, you might want to find out more about your loved one by digging a little deeper. You could have a richer relationship and be better able to help improve the life of your special senior. You might find them saying things like:

• We have valuable things to share. Seniors have wide experiences and many insights. They've lived through economic depressions, wars, political battles, the scandals of celebrities, and societal shifts. Reading about other times in history books is one thing, but listening to seniors can give you a vivid picture of noteworthy events and private insights.
• We don't always need to be cheered up.  It's okay to talk about hard issues, like illness, upcoming medical procedures, matters of faith, even death. These things are on the minds of most people, no matter what their age. Trying to put on a cheerful attitude at all times can close you off from hearing the real fears or expectations of your senior loved one. 
• Do our grandchildren know about us? Seniors may love hearing about the ballet recitals, ball games, graduations and new babies of the younger generations, and sharing pictures of these moments with them can be precious. But seniors have lived full lives themselves: danced, played sports and raised families. They went to school, started careers, failed at things, found love and lost loved ones. Take time to ask about these events from the past.
• There are things you don't know about us. People from earlier eras might have hidden information about divorces, mental health, children given in adoption or other sensitive matters. Upon reflection, your loved one may be ready to pass along information to you that could be helpful to understand family relationships or health patterns. Make sure that your senior knows that they can confide in you without being judged and be prepared for what you might hear!
• Your help is appreciated.  A senior might want to talk to an old friend or distant relative but negotiating the telephone or Zoom could be just too complicated. New prescriptions or treatments can be confusing without help from someone who cares. Simply offering to be there to help with a phone call or doctor visit can be an act of love for a senior.

 
There are also times that you can spend together, without talking, simply enjoying each other's company.  Play some music from the past, hymns from their faith, holiday songs, or their dance music.  Looking through an old book or magazine together could be an opening for an important conversation. Seniors have had lives which might surprise you, cause you sadness or delight you, but you will do yourself and your loved one a service by listening to what they want to say.
 
Prairie Homestead
[email protected]
prairiehomestead.org
1605 W. May Street
Wichita KS 67213
(316) 263-8264