COVID-19 has brought about a complete change to our daily lives and routines.
Our lives have been completely altered by this, but, without doubt, the people who have been affected the most are the elderly.
As the virus is slightly (to put it mildly) more dangerous to those over the age of 65, the Golden Generation has gone back to their old bomb shelters to hide. This has presented such a situation that the children can’t visit their grandparents unless they live in their house or in close vicinity. I can’t speak for all grandparents but I can say for sure that my grandparents' favourite thing to do is to spend time with my sister and I (what can I say, I’m pretty popular). Therefore, this virus is a huge wall in their way.
There are two ways that one can keep your grandparents happy during the lockdown. One is to visit them, if they live like very closely and you are not a moron who goes around everywhere touching everything.
The second is to call them at least twice a week, preferably through video call if you can teach them how to, and talk to them and see how they’re faring.
The second option is probably the more viable one for many as they probably live apart from their grandparents. Talking to your grandparents is like you getting an ego massage. They’ll always exclaim how tall you’ve become even if you are shorter than the Seven Dwarves. They’ll tell you’ve lost weight even if you were the inspiration for the game Hungry Hippos.
To your grandparents, the smallest thing you do will be a huge deal. You lost a football match? No problem, the referee has clearly been paid off by the opposing team. If you kill a mosquito, they’ll act as though you have slain a dragon from Game of Thrones. After your ego is higher than Mount Everest, you should also remember to ask them how they’re doing. One should put the phone down only after letting the conversation run its natural course.
Visiting your grandparents often can be tough for people unless they live close by, but if you are able to do it one definitely should. Many people find different ways to spend time with their grandparents. For example, I enjoy watching movies and TV shows with my grandmother while having cold coffee. I know, it is weirdly specific but both of us enjoy it so we do it. It’s also hilarious to see your grandmother laugh at jokes which are very inappropriate and which you wouldn’t dare to see with your parents.
Of course, the only awkward parts are when umm... let’s say R-rated stuff is happening on the screen, at which point one must either skip the scene or take in the beauty of the floor, the ceiling or the couch you’re sitting on. Many grand-kids go to help their grandparents with technology and to fix their tech-related issues or show them an easier way to do it. When you do help them, then it’s a different level of ego-boosting. You created a passcode for them? You’re the next Steve Jobs. Did you show the wonders of Netflix and YouTube? Move over Bill Gates, there’s a new tech genius in town.
Spending time with your grandparents should never be an obligation which you feel you should fulfil. It should not be a duty or a burden on you. Unfortunately, studies show that the time the newer generation spends with their grandparents is decreasing and it’s quite sad to see this happen. Many visit their grandparents like they’re on court-mandated visits. It should never be like this. When you spend time with your grandparents it gives you happiness and joy. And, the happiness you feel goes both ways. You should cherish each and every moment you have with them.
