My grandparents always share with us their grand children about the importance of staying active and useful even after retirement or in old age. It is inspiring to see them, in their old age, healthy and actively inolved in weekend community activities and practising their daily physical exercises. They said that it is the same with the brain which, if not actively used, may deteriorate. Their advice is to always activate the brain by thinking, analysing, reading and writing as mental exercises to avoid senility. So I am reminded to do my daily physical exercises even through I have finished my daily household chores. I am encouraged to read more too.
Furthermore, I am inspired by their stories of being respectful to other people specially the elderly. I observed from them that respect starts within the family. One day I will surely grow old. And I would also like to be active, useful, and be treated with respect by the younger generation.
— Jenelyn Balolong
I didn’t hear any direct story from my grandparents as they both died early. I heard stories and learned lessons from my experiences of working with the elderly. Their stories were long and they may repeat them. However I developed a sense of fondness and caring towards them as I came to understand that older people are sensitive and can sometimes become easily emotional about their personal situations. They think nobody loves them or cares about them when no one visits them. They become unhappy and feel lonely. Some easily get sick. These observations have a huge effect on me. I learned to be more cheerful, considerate, understanding, and caring towards the elderly. I am reminded to be more patient, kind and gentle to those who are old, for one day I shall grow old too.
— Tessie Solibio
Ever since I was a young child I always listen to the stories and advice of the old people. My imagination becomes active in a flashback of history as I listen to their stories. I developed a special love and fondness for the elderly whether they are my relatives or not. I love listening to their different stories because they gave me lessons on how to be a good person and a good parent as I am now. Their stories show the goodness of the heart, and the importance of being kind and helpful to others and of teaching one’s children through parents’ examples. My parents did what my grandparents asked them to. Good upbringing is passed on to us now and we carry on the task of good parenting by teaching our children through our encouraging words and good deeds. I am applying this principle to my family for I believe that children easily learn and follow what they hear and see.
— Joanne Tamayo
I remember when my grandfather was still alive, he was living in the province with my auntie. Everytime we went to the province for vacation, we always found time to visit him. These were the days that I shared with him about my dream of working here in Hong Kong. And he would ask me, “Are you tough enough, emotionally and physically? If yes then you can go.” During the times that I feel like giving up, his words resound in my mind. I remember I answered him “yes” when he asked me if I was ready. These words often make me regain my strength. As an overseas worker I should indeed be strong specially emotionally and bear in my mind that I can face whatever difficulties that come to my life. Listening to older people is so helpful, as they give you wisdom and tell you about their lessons. There is a saying that we need to listen to elder’s advice not because they are always right but because they have more experiences of being wrong. It is really true.
— Jenina Quintans
I have heard about my grandparents from the life stories of my mom and her siblings. It was interesting to know about our family history, their social situations and their spiritual upbringing. Their life story was more on how they persevere amidst the difficulty of their day to day life as well as their contentment and happiness through simple and healthy living.
Similarly, I like to listen to the encouraging life stories of my ward as a grandma, whom I am taking care of in Hong Kong. She tells me about her responsibilities as a single parent since her husband, a soldier, died; how she worked hard to provide to the needs of their nine children. I am amazed of how they started their business from scratch then rising it into what it is now. All nine children are successfully and happilly living their own lives. Grandma always reminds me to work hard and save while I am young and strong so that, like her, I shall have money to live a comfortable life when I get old. I heed to her advice of hardwork, endurance, thrift and being good to others, which is the secret of a contented heart.
— Ronia Vistro
