The second thing is to remember that you are not alone. Today there are institutions, community groups, support centers, and neighbors willing to help. Although it may seem difficult, asking for help is an act of courage, not weakness. Talking to someone you trust can open doors that seemed closed
And third, and perhaps most importantly: understand that age does not define a person’s worth. At 60, 70, 80, or older, there is still history, experience, wisdom, love to give, and dreams to live. No one, absolutely no one, has the right to make an older adult feel invisible or useless.
It’s also good for families reading this to reflect. Sometimes the harm doesn’t come from malice, but from habit. From routine. From exhaustion. But that’s no excuse. Our elders dedicated years of their lives to caring for us, educating us, sacrificing themselves for our well-being. The least they deserve is understanding and affection. Not perfect, but sincere. Not appearances, but presence.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to something very simple:
Treat your elders as you would like to be treated when it’s your turn to reach that stage.
Life takes unexpected turns. Time flies. And one day, without realizing it, we will be the ones who walk more slowly, who need a helping hand, who seek patience from those we love. Therefore, if you have an elderly person in your life today, take care of them. Listen to them. Make them feel that they are still a vital part of the family. Don’t wait until you lose them to realize the value of their presence.
Family strain after age 60 is real, and more common than we imagine. But it’s also possible to change it. To heal. To build a more humane, warmer, and fairer relationship. It all starts with a simple decision: to treat the person who gave you life with the love they deserve.
