Senior to Senior: Family Support

How many articles have you read, in the last few days, about the shortages of therapists, tutors, mentors, and other support systems? They catch your eye, no doubt, because you are anxious, overwhelmed and alone. What if you aren’t as alone as you think you are? There are certain “someone’s” out there who need you as much as you need them. We used to call them mom, dad, grandma or grandpa. Do you really think that they would rather be golfing or living it up in a retirement community than helping you? Too often articles written about family support focus on only one thing; financial support. Unfortunately, that is an unrealistic dream for many; but it doesn’t mean that they aren’t there for you. Shunned and at times alienated by children who have moved away and are busy with their own lives; parents and grandparents are all but forgotten. The pandemic has forced, or gently reminded, everyone that families are relevant again. Parents and grandparents can step in to provide emotional and physical support, even if the financial part comes in the form of childcare, shopping, tutoring and mentoring. You might consider asking, begging, your biggest supporters to come back into your life? What if you no longer have a parent or a grandparent in your life? Look into, not exactly renting a grandparent, but into adopting one. Many senior centers, churches and communities have set up such programs. If you look around you just might someone who would love to feel useful again. On the other hand, you may not need to look any further than a next-door neighbor, who just happens to live alone and has no family nearby. Get to know them and ask if they would be interested in helping you out in exchange for you being there for them. You never know unless you ask. “Can you help me,” or “what can I do to help,” are powerful questions? Questions asked and answered every day. There is not a senior anywhere who doesn’t want to have an active, interesting, and useful life. Look to family again.