Have you ever found yourself in a room with older people or just alone with grandma, grandpa or even your parents and you don’t know what to say? Getting along in a conversation with older people could be dicey especially as a millennial.
It sometimes could feel like you are walking on egg shells as to what’s appropriate to say and what is not, or you could just be nervous by simply being in their presence.
Older people are generally willing to talk because they like to share stories and their life experiences but how do you respond to a grandma who seem to you like someone who is just repeating herself over and over or grandpa who is just trying to communicate with you in his own way but you are not feeling it?
Hearing a particular thing or story a gazillion times could be boring sometimes, but one of the good sides of chatting with people older than you is that when you do, you get some wisdom to add to your own collection, learn from their own experiences and also get first hand undiluted information.
Nothing gets better than that right? Trust me, learning from other people’s mistakes and experiences can save you a lot of headaches and stress because you now know what to do and what not to do in some situations.
If you find yourself with older people whether it be your parents, grandparents, in-laws or someone elderly you just met down the street and you are lost on how to have a conversation with them, these are some tips that can get you by without any worries:
Related: How To Deal With Younger In-laws
1. Respect them
An older person or anyone at that, would appreciate it if you show some respect in the things you say and how you say it. Framing your sentences and how you comport yourself is important when conversing with an older person.
2. Count your words
You can limit the number of times you talk during the conversation. Give more room for the older person to talk, especially if you don’t know what to say or if you feel what you say gets you in trouble every time or most of the time with people.
3. Talk about general things
Discuss things they could easily relate to. This is important because of the differences in the times and thought process of someone from Generation X or Y and a post millennial. You could talk about your day or ask about their day, what they enjoy or a friend they just met.
4. Engage
Engage them in a sensible discussion that you can benefit from and they can also benefit from. They have a lot of wisdom to share. Grab it as much as you can.
5. Ask questions
Is there something you have been wondering about or wanting answers to? This might be a good time to ask grandma about that family tree or your paternal uncle or aunt.
6. Listen
Older people love listening ears. They have so much to talk about that all they need is someone who is ready to listen. Enjoy the moment because if they are old, it means they don’t have too much time left (all things being equal).
7. Be there
Sometimes, all they need is just you being there. Older people mostly don’t have company because either their friends or spouse have passed away or in old people’s homes.
So when you come around, you can be sure they value and appreciate your presence. Be there and be intentionally present. Don’t be distracted while with them.
8. Be mindful
Take advantage of the time you spend with them, enjoy their company and make good memories.
How do you relate with old people? Do you enjoy it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Bonus Tips
Having conversations with older people could be fun if you know how to manage it. If you however, know you have issues with dealing with older people, the best thing to do is to limit your contact with them especially in the things you say and how you say it.
Conversations with older people whenever you can, gives you an opportunity to receive insight or wisdom on life generally…hopefully you are not thinking who needs it? Experience doesn’t have to be your best teacher, you can learn from others experiences and avoid some pitfalls and mistakes they have made in the past.
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