Making the Senior in Your Life Feel Special

This article appeared in the Great Neck Neighbors West Magazine, May 2023 - Enjoy!

Are you still fortunate enough to have a special senior in your life? Someone who means the world to you. A person who loves you no matter what. Yes? Lucky you!

Then let me ask you a question. When was the last time you told them how special they are to you? I don’t mean the last time you called because it was Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Or their birthday. Or when you took them to the store. I mean the last time you contacted them “just because”. Does that question get you thinking? I hope so.

Did you know that close to 14 million seniors live by themselves according to the U.S. Census Bureau? That’s a lot of folks who wake up alone each morning, who eat alone and don’t have someone to chat with throughout the day. Is that your special senior?

Try to picture yourself in that situation. How does it feel?

You may want to read my book, Unwrapping The Sandwich Generation, for stories that relate to this subject and can give you some guidance. Or check out my blog, SueCunninghamBlog.com for some other tips.

There are so many ways to help your beloved senior have a special moment or day. What comes to mind? Let me suggest some things.

While a phone call is always nice and welcoming, doing just a little bit more is even more meaningful. Just a little bit. Ask your senior what they would like to do. It doesn’t have to be a full day. Most seniors don’t want that anyway.

How about reading with them. Take a book over to them, maybe one you are currently reading and together share your thoughts about the book. Try doing that outside in the fresh air. Go for a

walk if they are able, visit a local farmer’s market or museum. Watch a movie together and talk about it afterwards. Bring snacks, of course!

When I was consulting with families, I would hear the adult child say, “but I don’t know what to talk about”. No problem. Watch tv or listen to a favorite radio program. Your being there is what it is all about! And by the way, don’t stay too long. Your senior has their routine, and they like to stick to it so be aware of their time and daily plans.

Don’t forget to listen. Yes, you may have heard their story before, but it is quite obviously very important so indulge them…again. Remember, you will be in their shoes one day if you are lucky!

So, call, visit, listen, share, laugh, with your senior. Don’t just tell them how much you care, act on it! Today. Don’t wait. You aren’t getting any younger either!

Happy Aging,

Sue Cunningham