Relevant and I love this discussion! I resonate with your experience as a parent. We don’t live in the same city with grandparents and they just aren’t as involved as the previous generation, apart from mostly spending leisurely time together for vacations.
Thanks also for sharing your experience volunteering in an elderly home.
Parents are overwhelmed these days — struggling to say the least. More and more younger generations are resisting the idea of having kids as they worry about jobs, money, let alone taking on additional caregiving responsibilities. While some grandparents are lonely. We do live in a fractured society.
I also think the intrinsic vs extrinsic value of an individual is worth further discussion. Just because an elderly (or any person not in the workforce) is not contributing to the economy, doesn’t mean they deserve less for their well being. Life can be meaningful, if only one can choose, not just means to an end.
Thoughtfully read The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe. History is circular. The generations just before you are very different, however the many generations before you are extremely similar. The greatest value of the elderly is their long-term perspective and their acknowledgement of the nature of people, which never really changes. Love, hate, greed, generosity, etc.; they are at the root of everything we say and do - and they never change.
Not all parents are overwhelmed these days. If young parents feel overwhelmed, then they should look at their lifestyle. Choose priorities. Make changes. You don't have to live like others who are overwhelmed.
Relevant and I love this discussion! I resonate with your experience as a parent. We don’t live in the same city with grandparents and they just aren’t as involved as the previous generation, apart from mostly spending leisurely time together for vacations.
Thanks also for sharing your experience volunteering in an elderly home.
Parents are overwhelmed these days — struggling to say the least. More and more younger generations are resisting the idea of having kids as they worry about jobs, money, let alone taking on additional caregiving responsibilities. While some grandparents are lonely. We do live in a fractured society.
I also think the intrinsic vs extrinsic value of an individual is worth further discussion. Just because an elderly (or any person not in the workforce) is not contributing to the economy, doesn’t mean they deserve less for their well being. Life can be meaningful, if only one can choose, not just means to an end.
Looking forward to our conversation when we meet!
Great discussion!
Thoughtfully read The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe. History is circular. The generations just before you are very different, however the many generations before you are extremely similar. The greatest value of the elderly is their long-term perspective and their acknowledgement of the nature of people, which never really changes. Love, hate, greed, generosity, etc.; they are at the root of everything we say and do - and they never change.
Not all parents are overwhelmed these days. If young parents feel overwhelmed, then they should look at their lifestyle. Choose priorities. Make changes. You don't have to live like others who are overwhelmed.