Later Life Wisdom

Ever wonder what you really know about the lives of your older family members before you were around? People in later life have a wealth of knowledge they've accumulated through the years. If you just make time to hang out and scratch beyond the surface you will be enriched as much as they will be uplifted as they share their experiences and wisdom.

Besties came and went as a child, but my closest friend was actually decades older than me, older than my own father. What was it about this friendship that she became my loyal companion from around the age of 5 until I reached adulthood and moved far from the family home?

She gave me her time and actually listened and appeared to get me at whatever age I was at. She loved to share stories of her own experiences from a time different to the one I was growing up in. Moreover, she had a wonderful knack of relating stories that I could identify with.

I learned all kinds of details about what her life and values looked like growing up in the 1920s and 1930s, in fascinating, colourful detail. I knew exactly where she was and what she felt when it was announced on the radio that WWII had been declared. She’d find just the right story to tell me with any problem or situation I might be sharing with her. She empathised deeply, especially with my teenage life struggles. We heartily agreed that being a teenager was utter misery - yet within her own stories there was also always hope, backed by her experience that this too shall pass.

My older friend was an influence and an inspiration. Fiercely independent, taking the first train she could to London after the outbreak of WWII to work in tearooms. Post war, she travelled for many years working all over the UK, living life to the full on her terms usually pursued by trails of suiters. Once in Edinburgh, she was rescued by the fog from a potentially awkward mistiming as one date disappeared into the “pea souper” just as her next date appeared from out of it. She was a hoot, and I could scarcely wait to commence my own marvellous adventures, away from being told what to do by grown ups.

The point here is that there’s endless wisdom to soak up in listening to those who have lived their younger lives in a different time and era, not to mention some gasps and giggles along the way. Vitally, the act of listening uplifts the storyteller, reminds them that their lives not only had but still do have value. Investing time to chat and listen to our later life relatives, friends and neighbours is a win-win. I recommend doing it often!

When did you last take time to listen to someone in later life and benefit from their wisdom?

Much love,

Hannah

P.S. If you or someone in your life tends to get isolated and would thrive from more companionship, YouLiberated has a dedicated Later Life Companions service. You can find out all about it by clicking here.