What is the best way to handle the fact that my grandparents are aging? I know everyone eventually gets old,?

Question

over the past year, they have really aged, and can't do a lot anymore. (they are 79 and 80). I keep having flashbacks of them when they were younger and could do things. Any advice on how to deal with this? thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Elderly people love talking about their younger days. Encourage them to share stories with you from their past. Not only will it make them feel important, you will have precious memories that will last forever. Spend as much time with them as possible too. Let them remain independent as long as possible. It is very important for them. It sounds as if you have been very blessed with wonderful active grandparents. You'll be surprised though at how much you will enjoy reliving those moments through stories and conversations. Try looking through old photos to get the conversations rolling. God Bless!

Answer 2

Unfortunitly its sounds as if your grandparents are aging badly in the past year or maybe you haven't been around then suddenly it was like what happened? My grandparents are around the same age and luckily pretty good about it but, I have noticed things are changing too try to enjoy the time you have with them. My grandmother made a point that it kinda snuck up on them too somewhere when they weren't looking age caught them and they missed out on a lot that they planned for retirement(my grandfather has a stroke 2 years before retirement age and was forced into retirement ). As far as the age my grandfather on my fathers side has become a bit of a world traveler in the last couple years(hes 84 this year) I have seen him more in the last 4 years than I did while I grew up. It all depends on health and what they decide they can do around their conditions you may be amazed so don't count them out they are adults and will find a way to do what they want and can.I'm pretty sure if you are honest about it there are already things you can't do anymore.

Answer 3

There's a lot of good advice here, so I won't duplicate it.

You're going to go thru this type of thing a lot in your life, and eventually you get a bit tougher about it, and it doesn't hurt so much, even though you still really care. My hubby is 67 and his thing is knowing that almost all his high school buddies are dead now, and why is he still around? And he can't see very well due to diabetes, so now he can't get a deer when he's hunting, because he can't see them unless he knows they are there. So he is starting to lose some of his favorite activities. So your grandparents are going thru loss, too, and I bet they are having to cope with it too just like you are. I'm the younger wife, and my husband still says he's happier than he ever was, and he probably is (his first marriage wasn't so hot). So your grandparents may still be as happy as ever even though they can't do as much.

Ok, nothing helpful here, but some info from the older person's side.

Answer 4

Just remember that they have had a long happy life together, and that everyone ages, and since they are grandparents, well they should be aging. Just love them, they are the same people that you have always known, and they will always be the same people that you have known, and loved. You should be happy that they have gotten to be the age that they are, some people don't make it that far. So just enjoy them, and remember that yes they have slowed down, and now they are taking it easy and relaxing. Enjoy them for who they are.

Answer 5

Well I'm kinda of in the same boat my mum whom is 86 has slowed down a lot and I find myself wishing she was more active and all, but I know too that it's not going to happen which makes me sad.

Try to be compassionate and understanding as we all will be in their shoes someday. Also, try helping with little things like doing the dishes for them or making a cup of coffee or tea or just talk to them about whatever's on your mind. I'm sure they'd be delighted to talk about the past as my mum has with me.

I do hope that this help's somewhat, all the best.

Answer 6

The more time you spend with them, not as a "caregiver" or such, but just as a grandchild, the more you'll be able to "handle it". But remember, they see you as a grandchild, not as a social worker, so be their grandchild. And they can tell if you change your perspective. They may be old, but they're not "deaf and dumb", so they can perceive your anxieties and worries. If you want to help them do "this and that", well, okay, that's nice, but don't turn into their social worker. If you do, then they lose their grandchild long before you lose your grandparents, and they don't want to lose their grandchild any more than you want to lose them, so, be their grandchild, hang around from time to time, and enjoy their company. You'll be able to handle it, with a few tears of course, but that's natural. Enjoy them while you can, and your memories will be great. God Bless you.

Answer 7

It really is very difficult to watch your grandparents age; I took care of my mother during her final years. The anguish of seeing someone whom you love sliipping away from you is emotionally shattering; you are dealing with inevitable reality as are your grandparents. The best you can do for them and for yourself is to be loving and kind and understanding. Your memories of them later will be happier for how you made their lives happy, and I know that they will appreciate you and love you all the more for your caring. I wish you the best.

Answer 8

Love them for who and what they are. Respect them. Protect them from outside influences ( individuals who might try to steal their assets through scams and outright fraud). Offer to take them into your home. Remember the legalities, and if your parents are still alive, remember they are the ones who may have the legal responsibility to deal with the problems. But, first, and foremost, love them.