“We should listen to our elders, not because they are always right, but because they have more experience in being wrong.”
Listen and learn from seniors. And why not? Just living for so many years gives them the advantage of seeing the world longer and understanding people better. They offer priceless wisdom that can sustain you in the long run – if you are keenly listening.
So here are ten timeless tips from our cute and wrinkly nana-nanis and dada-dadis.
1. Learn to be ‘youthful’:
Youth is not just a time in life; it is a state of mind. It’s that attitude that lets you take calculated risks and make mistakes until you learn from them. Make the most of your youth, but also learn youthfulness.
Staying young, wild and free is a blessing that doesn’t last forever. But you are not truly young until you are grateful for the small things. And yes, smile - while you still have all your teeth. That’s a lesson the elderly can teach anyone.
Old folks smile even when they don’t have any teeth. What’s your excuse again?
2. Be flexible:
Flexibility and independence in this wild, wild world are worth learning. If you have never stepped out of your city or town, you may want to talk to someone experienced and wise before you do. The last generation has travelled often and lived in different cities and states. They have learnt the knack of being independent and flexible and handling big responsibilities – all while having adventures!
Travelling not only opens windows to new worlds but also teaches you different perspectives.3. Get off that high horse:
An important habit to learn from seniors is to be kind and humble. The elderly will always remind you that you don't know what others are going through. Just observing some older people in our lives can help us empathize with others in various situations.
Kindness is more powerful than indifference, it doesn’t cost you anything (except maybe some ego) and has a strong, positive impact on your relationships. By simple acts of kindness, you could turn someone’s difficult day into a happy one. So, go ahead and spread that love - not hate!
4. Grow a funny bone:
In a world where venting out is cool, and bitterness and jealousy compete with each other on social media, who doesn’t like someone who lightens up the mood and makes you laugh hard? Seniors often remind you to find humour in life.
Or else you'll be so depressed that you'll lose your noodle. If you have a good sense of humour, chances of anxiety and tension can be reduced. You bring people together, you can become the life of every party, and even stay calm when you make blunders.
5. Make your own decisions:
‘Kuch toh log kahenge, logo ka kaam hai kehna.’ Whoever wrote this song, rightly understood that we should not doubt ourselves after a point.
Worrying about what people will think or say can paralyze your happiness and talent. Our seniors often enjoy the peace that comes with freedom from worrying about the perceptions of others- it’s a great example.
It’s never too late to stop waiting for approval from the entire world for your life-decisions. Sometimes, the less you care, the happier you'll be.
6. Prioritize:
One of the best things you can learn from older adults is to stick to your priorities. Everyone around us is so busy with schedules and chores – you don’t know which problem to tackle first. Life is constantly throwing attention-seeking needs at you that can quickly throw you off the balance if we don’t know how to prioritize our time.
Because seniors have moved through more stages in life, it's their experience that acts as a guiding light for us. The world is a brighter and prettier place when we know how to prioritize our time and energy.
7. Fight your fears:
Imagine how life would be if it were filled with just happy moments? Would we ever appreciate the good times? Probably not!
We all have to hit rock-bottom at some point in our lives. We’ve got to take rough with the smooth to balance out in the end. Isiliye bade buzurg kehte hai - apni musibaton ka dat ke samna karo.
8. Keep a backup plan:
Seniors may take risks – but they are very smart. They have always asked us to be cautious about life – because they have seen that life is a rollercoaster. People hate coming up with a Plan B or even Plan C, but wisdom asks – kal kisne dekha hai?
Listen to street-smart seniors and learn the importance of having a backup plan for your life.
9. La familia:
Can you imagine your life without your parents? Well, ‘family is not just love, family is everything you got on earth.’ The elderly will keep pushing you to make amends and stick with your family - they really know its value when we cannot see it.
The world can crush you when you are not looking, but your family will be there with you in your toughest situations – even if they yell at you every now and then. Talk to your grandparents about it.
10. Sab YOLO hai:
You only live once! As they end their life-journey, the lesson elders emphasize often is about living your life to the fullest. They’ll advise you to take the risk. Quit that unsatisfying job or that unhealthy relationship. Focus on what truly matters. Stop whining and create your opportunities. Leave no room for regrets.
Seniority Pvt Ltd serves a wide range of products catering largely to the senior community. The products are specially curated keeping in mind the comfort and independence of senior citizens. From lifestyle to general wellness, these products aim at making the day-to-day life of the elders easy and hassle-free.Jab parents kehte the bachpan main ki bado ki baat mano, sahi kehte the. Sahi kehte the!
