Building Bonds With Older Adults

Singapore's population is ageing rapidly. According to the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), the first batch of post-war baby boomers will reach 65 years of age by 2012. Today, one out of every 12 Singaporeans is aged 65 or above. By 2030, this ratio will become one out of five. In addition, there is a longer life expectancy, which has increased from just 65 in 1965 to 80 years of age today!

With a growing ageing population, most of us will very likely come in contact with an older person, be the person a family member, friend or colleague. Take the time and effort to build strong bonds with them and listen to their past experiences and enjoy learning from their vast knowledge and wisdom.

Effective communication

Older adults would appreciate companionship especially if they have retired and do not have the opportunity to engage in regular communication with their colleagues like they used to. By talking to older adults, they would not feel so lonely and would become happier and feel their lives are more fulfilled.

To communicate with older adults effectively, you need to appreciate that their life experiences may differ greatly from yours, for example, they may have survived wars or economic deprivation. Some also face physiological changes such as a decline in visual acuity, hearing or capacity to communicate.

Do also bear in mind that older adults face a change in social roles when they retire or have lost a spouse. These life events could affect their motivation.

Here are some tips to improve your communication with an older adult to engage in new relationships:

1. Respect their values, background and knowledge even though they may seem vastly differently from your own. They had grown up in a very different period from ours. Be open to listening to their thoughts and ideas gained from their vast life experiences.
   
   
2. Speak slowly and clearly, and make eye contact. Listening well is also important so if you are unclear about what has been said, ask them to repeat themselves.
   
   
3. Be patient and don't get frustrated when an older adult takes a while to explain a point.
   
   
4. Consider bringing the older adult on an outing such as the museum or even a trip outside of Singapore. Older adults enjoy new experiences and these outings allow them to see how the world has changed. You could also engage them in conversations while explaining the changes or new things that the older adults see.
   
   

If you do not have older parents or relatives, you could consider volunteering to work with older adults such as at a nursing home or even at senior citizens' organisations. The first-hand experience would definitely enrich your life and you would gain some insights on building bonds with an older adult.

MCQ

1. I don't have older parents or relatives. What can I do to better understand the elderly?
   1. Volunteer at a nursing home
   2. Go about my business and don't bother
   3. Spend more time with my children

   

2. How can I better communicate with my older parents?
   1. Be patient
   2. Listen more
   3. Bring them out on activities
   4. All of the above

   

3. The population in Singapore is ageing rapidly, compounded with:
   1. Lower singlehood
   2. Higher mortality
   3. Lower birth rates