Let Senior Citizens Talk More

Nowadays, there are even professionals who offer companionship and conversation services for a fee, charging by the hour simply to talk and listen to people. These services are available over the phone as well as through personal home visits. It is also being heard that some voluntary organizations are considering providing such services free of cost.

Whenever guests visit a home, it is often noticed that they are not allowed to sit with grandparents for very long. One excuse or another is made to take the guests away and seat them separately.

There can be many reasons behind this behavior. Sometimes family members fear that the elderly may talk unnecessarily and bore the guests. At other times, there is concern that they may unknowingly bring up sensitive family matters that could embarrass everyone present.

But if we think from the perspective of senior citizens, they too long for opportunities to express themselves. That is why whenever they get a chance to talk to someone, it gives them genuine happiness.

According to various surveys, one of the greatest needs of elderly people after a certain age is simply having someone to talk to. Visit any old-age home once. Spend a little time speaking with the men and women living there, and the expressions on their faces will deeply move you. Most of them will not want you to leave. They will wish that you continue talking to them for as long as possible.

As mentioned earlier, even professional conversation services have now emerged where trained individuals spend time talking to lonely people for an hourly fee. Such services are available both over the phone and through home visits. Some social organizations are also exploring ways to offer this support voluntarily and free of cost.

These days, a message is becoming viral on WhatsApp claiming that even doctors advise elderly people to talk more. This idea is quite different from the old belief in many households where elders were often interrupted or discouraged from speaking too much.

Doctors believe that when a person talks, brain activity increases. This happens because thoughts and language work together in coordination. It is said that regular conversation helps improve memory, while people who speak very little may experience weaker memory over time. Some even believe that talking more can help keep conditions like Alzheimer’s disease at bay. It is also true that speaking exercises the facial muscles, throat, and lungs in a natural and healthy manner.

Everyone agrees that conversation reduces stress. We often hear expressions such as “Speak your heart out” or “Don’t keep things bottled up inside.” The meaning behind all such sayings is simple — keep talking and expressing yourself.

I would especially request younger readers to make a resolution today that they will remain in regular touch with their old friends as they grow older. Today, we have WhatsApp and many other digital tools available. Create groups, exchange old photographs, share messages, and meet whenever possible. If health permits, plan small outings together. Such occasions provide wonderful opportunities for conversation and bonding.

It is certain that old friends of the same age group usually have both the time and emotional understanding to share each other’s joys and sorrows wholeheartedly. Whenever old memories are discussed, the scenes of those moments come alive before our eyes once again.

One important thing, however, must be kept in mind. We should certainly speak more, but our conversations should be meaningful and enriching. People listening to us should feel that we are not speaking aimlessly. They should sense that we have wisdom, knowledge, and experience to share.

I once read a beautiful quotation which said: “Speak in such a way that people remain eager to listen to you.” And finally, while speaking is important, being a good listener is equally essential. Allow others the opportunity to speak as well.