Psalm 71:9 is a cry from the elderly to be remembered and loved in their old age. The speaker cries out to God that they may not be forgotten or forsaken as they age and lose strength. This verse is a strong reminder that our elderly loved ones need us just as much as we do them. As they lose the ability to do things for themselves and feel their independence slip away, it’s important we show up for them. Here are 3 easy ways to show your grandparents you care.
1. Ease their daily lives.
Routine things that we often take for granted can be a major struggle for our grandparents. Changing the input on the television, reaching for things on high shelves, and even reading their Bibles can present a challenge. Take time to inventory the ways you can ease your loved one’s daily life. Ask them what aspects of their home and routine give them the most difficulty and find tangible ways to help. Rearrange their cabinets so their daily needs are at eye level. Move their furniture in a way that’s safe for them to get around. Label their electronics with simple instructions.
Purchase a King James large print Bible to cater to their declining eyesight. Access to the word of God is critical, especially as they age. They need a daily reminder of God’s power and presence as they may experience health struggles or other lifestyle changes. The gift of time in the word is invaluable. Psalm 92 says that those who remain faithfully planted in the Lord will remain untouchable by their enemies and flourish like palm trees in abundance. It goes on to say that even in old age, these trees will bear fruit and stay vital. Give your grandparent the gift of an eternal strength in Jesus by the simple act of giving them a readable Bible. After all, if you’re not dead, God’s not done.
2. Make their home a safe space.
After a certain age, it’s increasingly difficult to maintain a clean, safe home. If you’re local, set a weekly day and time to visit for cleaning. As you visit, tidy up around their home, dust, vacuum, whatever needs to be done. This gives you time spent together while also ensuring they’re living in a healthy environment.
If their home needs maintenance, do what you can to help with the upkeep. Things like mowing the lawn, cleaning out gutters, or weeding the walkway will be difficult to impossible in old age. Don’t live nearby? Do online research to find the best handyman in their area and arrange the appointments on their behalf. You can find anything from roofing replacement to lawn maintenance at the touch of a button. What you can do in a matter of seconds could have been a full day of fighting technology for them to do themselves.
3. Give the gift of time.
More than anything, your grandparents want to feel loved and valued. Perhaps the greatest way to show them you care is simply by spending time together. You don’t need fancy plans or a wallet-draining activity to make great memories. Try a new recipe together or ask them to teach you one of their favorites.
Plan a movie day where you each pick a few of the classic films of your generation. When you share something close to your heart, it invites others into the important parts of your life. Have an outing to give your grandparent a change of scenery. Fresh air and time in nature are soothing to the soul and rejuvenating for the mind.
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