I found this article (in comment and at bottom of this blog) to be so incredibly moving.
I think in our society, the perspective of becoming “old” is viewed in one of two ways: move away and retire in peaceful bliss or be sent away until you leave this earth.
Although the former option can seem appealing, both options have a general underlying misconception: once you’re old, your work is done. But that couldn’t be further from the truth and this article is such a beautiful illustration of that fact.
Just because you are done “producing” directly doesn’t mean your job is finished. It just means your job has changed. Based on the article, your direct presence in the family unit brings three primary things to the table:
1. Allows the next adult generation to be MORE fruitful than they could’ve been otherwise by being able to help them focus on continually being fruitful (via more kids, world change, etc) instead of bearing the weight of child development exclusively on their shoulders.
2. Helps the next generation succeed through sharing your experience. I love the video at the end of this article where the mother elephant wasn’t able to save the baby elephant but the grandmother elephant knew exactly what to do and saved the baby elephant’s life – because she had the experience.
3. Provide emotional support and a foundational anchor for the survival of the 3rd generation (and spiritual support for the human species). Your influence doesn’t just stop with your immediate offspring, but with their offspring. Simply being present in their lives provides an intangible anchor of stability and support essential to their survival.
You, as an “old person” are crucial to the success and survival of your family. Your job is not done. Even if the current adult generation is too arrogant and ignorant to realize it, fighting for your family still happens even after everyone’s left the nest.
And if you aren’t old yet, don’t be so quick to dismiss the value of the elders in your life. Their impact is far more reaching than you may realize. Take the time to appreciate the old people in your life.
Article on Elephants: https://curiosity.com/topics/why-baby-elephants-need-their-grandmothers-curiosity?utm_campaign=daily-digest&utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email
