It can be difficult to connect with your parents at any age, but it can be especially tough to connect with elderly parents. Building a relationship is one thing, but maintaining a strong and close relationship can be another. Have a look below at how you can better connect with your aging parents:
Connect Through Technology
Communication across distances has become so much easier with the introduction of smartphones, instant messaging, and more. Get your parents comfortable with using smartphones, internet apps, and video chats to spend time together if you live far away. If your parents don’t have experience with this technology, take some time out of your weekend to teach them. Social Media sites like Facebook and Twitter are seeing a rise in demographics from the older generation—this could be another way of bonding with them! Helping them to learn how to use technology can help them reconnect with other family members and friends.
Engage in New Hobbies Together
If you too often spend time together at home or at their assisted living facility, it may be time to venture out and do something new together. Take walks around a new park, visit a new restaurant, and see movies and theater shows together. If it is too difficult for your parent to be mobile, bring new experiences to them. Invite some friends over, cook your parents a delicious dinner, watch a new show, and introduce a new game. Experiencing something new together can build bonds and strengthen your relationship.
Share Stories
It can be hard to connect to your parents and older relatives (or anyone, for the matter) if you don’t share much in common. One way to reconnect is to share stories and memories together. This can be an excellent way to build bonds and to find common ground. Bringing along your kids can help them make bonds with your parents as well. Share stories and memories. Spend time together organizing family photos and passing down recipes, and more through the generations.
Make an effort to connect with your parents at every opportunity. Reconnecting, growing closer, and rebuilding those relationships now will make you happier in the long run.
