A question for everyone — do you remember any of your oldest memories that still excite you when you think about them? Perhaps a childhood game, playful fights with siblings, or moments spent with classmates in school. Recall those times when small quarrels had a certain sweetness, and everything returned to normal within moments. Trips with family to a relative’s house during holidays or pilgrimages to sacred places — these are just some of the many memories that remain alive in our hearts even today.
Now the question arises — are today’s children or our grandchildren experiencing similar emotions? Perhaps not. Life today has transformed significantly. The family structure has changed, nuclear families are now common, social interaction has reduced, and the digital age has created an entirely new world for children.
This change is not confined to social settings alone; it extends to technology, thinking, education, relationships, lifestyle — in fact, every sphere of life has evolved. To assume that change is wrong simply because it is different from our times is a negative perspective. Change is the eternal truth of life. Every generation considers what they experience in their time as the ideal.
It is the responsibility of seniors not to view these changes merely with criticism, but to understand and accept them. If we wish to maintain a connection with the younger generation, it is essential to understand their world and adapt ourselves accordingly.
Today’s children study online, build friendships on social media, video games are part of their daily routine, and the internet has broadened their knowledge base. While all this may seem unfamiliar or uninteresting to us, it is through these mediums that they are developing their interests, understanding, and capabilities.
If seniors reject these changes, the gap between generations will only widen. On the other hand, if they approach these new developments with curiosity and a willingness to learn, it can be a new journey for them too. Mobile phones, the internet, online banking, social media — all of these can be useful to us as well, provided we are ready to adopt them. Many elderly individuals are indeed learning new things. The challenge, however, is that technology evolves and upgrades so rapidly that it becomes difficult to keep up.
Moreover, change is not limited to technology alone. Social values, relationship dynamics, and lifestyles have also transformed. Joint families have given way to nuclear families. Life once had a slower, more patient rhythm — today, it’s a fast-paced race. Needs were once limited, but now options and aspirations have multiplied.
In such a scenario, the role of seniors becomes even more important. They can guide the younger generation with their experience, life values, and simplicity — but this is possible only if they themselves are willing to move forward with time. We cannot stop the flow of time, but we can certainly flow with it and shape our own direction.
We must also understand that change does not only come from the outside — it begins within. Only when our thinking is flexible can we remain relevant in a changing world. If we want to connect with our grandchildren, we must make an effort to understand their games, their studies, their technology. Only then will they be interested in listening to our experiences and learning from them.
Many seniors complain that no one listens to them anymore, that children are busy, and families don’t have time. But have we ever thought about whether we’ve tried to truly engage with them? When we try to see things from their perspective, they too will respect our feelings and experiences.
Therefore, if we want to maintain our role within the family and have our voice heard in society, we must accept change and be willing to change ourselves. Age should not merely be a count of years, but a reflection of experience, understanding, and adaptability. Remember, times change, but core values remain the same — love, belonging, dialogue, and cooperation. If we embrace change while holding on to these values, life can remain beautiful at every age.
(Adapted from my Hindi article of the week.)
