Thank the elder for their contribution to this world

My late uncle Willy had sparkles in his eyes every time he talked about his old job. He was a pharmacist and people came from far and wide to his pharmacy for his homemade potions: against sunburn, against nausea, against all kinds of ailments, even to lose weight (he never wanted to tell me what he put in those pills ;-)).

He was beaming with pride for ‘his contribution’ to this world and off course we reinforced his good feeling with admiring “aahs” and “oohs“.

Older people often have the feeling that they are no longer important: They no longer contribute to a job, their children no longer need their care, they have lost many contacts and they also realize that, physically, they can’t do as much anymore. My dad was so frustrated that he could no longer help me with the chores in our garden.

Hence the tip for today
Thank an elderly person for their contribution to the world. Thank them for what they still mean to you or to others today, as well as for all they have done. Let them tell you about it.

Studies show this improves their self-esteem and increases their satisfaction with life.