Living While Giving Life: Valuing Our Elders

Fatma Araz, director of the Hayat Elderly Care Center, emphasizes that we must show our love for our elders not only with words but also with our actions. We need to make them feel valued, approach them with affection, and never forget the importance of a sincere hug. Sometimes a handhold, a loving look, or saying 'Come, let me hug you' is enough to brighten their world. We should touch their hearts, increase their joy, and value their opinions.

We should look at old photos together and listen to the beautiful memories of their past. We should ask questions with the meticulousness of a journalist and learn their life stories. Because each of them has valuable life experiences full of lived moments that can serve as examples for us. It is also very important to record these conversations with photos and videos. One day, you may look for a photo taken with your father and not find it; then you will feel its absence more deeply.

Photos and videos taken today will become one of the most valuable legacies you will tell your children and grandchildren tomorrow. These images serve both as a memory and as meaningful lessons left for future generations. Therefore, we must carefully choose the words we use when speaking with our elders. Because we are guests of life; we are here today, gone tomorrow. We should accumulate memories, show our love, and make our loved ones happy while they are alive.

Let us give them gifts, offer treats, do the things they love, and share in their happiness. Let us not forget that time passes very quickly. The compensation for a moment we neglect today may not be possible tomorrow. Living while giving life means giving love, touching hearts, valuing, and leaving beautiful memories. Let us remember; we should know the worth of our loved ones while they are with us.

This article was published in Bakırköy'den Haber Gazetesi and aims to raise awareness of respect and love for the elderly in society. Fatma Araz's thoughts offer important tips on how we can treat our elders better in our daily lives. Each of us can touch their lives with small gestures and make them happy.