According to Andy Roony “The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person” Our parents work tirelessly to give us the life we have today, the comfort and all the privileges. As they age, it is imperative that as their children we return the favor of caring and loving them. Without their endless sacrifice during our early years, we wouldn’t be capable of what we are today.

Whenever I go to my homeplace in India, that is, Goa, I always love to meet my grandparents as they always nurture me and shower me with presents and they give me lots of advice on how to tackle real life situations and obstacles that may seem impossible to overcome. They also give me advice on how to study well and how to remember things for a long period of time. I believe that this advice given to me by my grandparents has truly helped me a lot and made me a more capable person.

Since I love and enjoy my grandparents company, I also try and help them in doing household work, chores, watering the garden and setting the table during meal time. It always feels amazing and spectacular helping the most kind, trustworthy and honest people in my life, my grandparents. Everyday I also love to go for walks in the morning with my grandparents and enjoy the beauty and complexity of nature. Therefore, because of this, I always love to go to Goa and meet my Grandparents and enjoy with them.

Our elders have lived thru many generations and they are the truest form of wisdom as they have been through many ups and downs in life. By being with them we become more self-aware and wiser, we can learn from them to be calm in the most difficult situations. We can learn from our elders to value family and relationships.

For a moment, let’s put ourselves in the shoes of an elderly person. When you know, you are becoming fragile and your body is failing you, it’s difficult to cope up with the uncertainty of the future – mentally and physically. This is where our responsibility comes in to give them the support they need and to help them live the rest of their lives peacefully.

So how can we learn to take care of our elderly at this age? We can go volunteer at old age homes. Personally, I feel caring for the elderly aids to our own self-development. Old-age is a time when they need help in things they effortlessly used to do by themselves before. Remember it’s not easy for our elders to become dependent on others. It is a time when they need attention and affection.

Here are some pointers which can get us ready to help them

1.Make preparations for their medical care

2.Organize their medication and remind them to take it.

3.Provide healthy and safe surroundings.

If all the family members are working or away at the same time, a responsible person or nurse or professional caretaker should be left with the elder.We should ensure that they have a balanced diet. Take them for a morning or evening walk- they will be happy to spend time with you. As children, we should never be rude or disrespect them. We can make them feel special by celebrating their birthdays and special occasions. We children can keep them happy by spending time with them telling them about our day or just talking to them and giving them company.

Yes, I think we are ready to take care of our elders. It requires a few changes in our lifestyle and homes. It requires sacrifices but the joy we will receive in return will be worth all the effort.