They made our lives easier as we grew up (hopefully). So shouldn’t we be making their lives easier now?
1. Try to be kind and patient if their forgetfulness frustrates you
2. Stress the importance of aerobic exercise
3. Periodically take them to dinner if you live nearby
4. Send them postcards wherever you go
5. Encourage your teenage or young adult children to call and/or visit them
6. Make sure they are participating in social activities
7. Make sure you, or someone else, is monitoring their medications if they can’t do it themselves
8. Periodically ask their opinions about issues that are important to you
9. Check their homes to ensure that they’re safe and clean
10. Engage them in conversation about their accomplishments, experiences and fond memories
11. Take them away for a trip, if they’re physically and mentally able
12. Talk to them about current events and issues
13. If you live far away, make sure there are friends or neighbors who can check in on them
14. Keep them involved in their passions as long as possible
15. Buy them something that will continually remind them of you
16. Involve yourself in an activity they love
17. Make sure they are up to date on their medical tests and doctors’ visits
18. Make sure they’re still on top of their finances (and help them out if they’re not)
19. Frequently tell them you love them
20. Never ignore them!