Unsolicited Advice By Elders.

Dear Hari Sir,

Age gives rich experience but maturity when to open our mouth is another skill. The world is changing so fast and more and more new methods to handle a situation is developed by new generation. Unless the seniors are caught up with changing world, it is best to stay silent. Frankly, in our family, we seek advice from my son on many things we had never learned. The new generation is smarter and there is nothing wrong in learning from them. Actually, if it is mutual, they will also find the freedom to ask something they didn't know how to decide. You are right about giving our opinion when asked and that too with a qualification that it is best if he or she makes the decision as he or she deemed fit.

 

This can be reiterated a hundred times! It is best if elders learn to not offer their opinions / advices on everything they may be aware of. Clearly children these days and even grandchildren have their own minds and are quite articulate about their issues/ doubts. So unless specifically requested it is better not to give undue Gyan'

 

The world is creating hundreds of new situations every second and methods evolved yesterday next morning gets obsolete. In such a world old gen to thrive with their words has to catch up and abreast with latest and go with the trend.
Elders in their 80's would find it difficult to keep mum or mouth shut from offering opinion or even suggestion lest they be splitting hairs.
If at all I let go my experience cum suggestion cum advise cum discourse, it is downloaded in social websites that includes IL too. Even today I learnt what Not To Do wHich I received as advice from youngsters. Only thing everlasting without changes about which olds can brag on is grandma's hand medicine and a bit of ayurveda. But grandma's of today are modern more abreast and fast grasping the changes taking in their environs.
The table is set for dinner. Despite calling and reminding them numerous times that food would turning cold, her Grandson and grand daughter though at home not reaching dinner table downstairs. Grand ma sent sms, e mail & WhatsApp messages to them who were watching tv .
Another grandma seeing her grandson in chaotic state enquired what was the problem. He said searching for car key bunch. She advised him to search in Google.

 

Dear Thyagarajan Sir,

Unlike real life younger generation of men and women, ILites have much more patients in listening to what seniors like us say and treat us respectfully. The decorum of this site is much better than abusive social media posts. Ladies here welcome suggestions and if they had to disagree, they write politely with their reasoning. They understand that every post is well intended and written with comradeship.