Slow Down, You're Moving Too Fast

There’s no denying that the world of North America has its foot on the gas pedal. Whether it’s checking our texts while waiting for our web browsers to finish loading, or updating our calendars in the grocery line, we are always seeking to make the most of our valuable time. In this fast-paced climate, it seems to me that older adults are especially affected by a constant pursuit of speed and efficiency.

It may be that when we visit our aging parents, we also have our phones on our laps, surreptitiously checking our texts. It may be that we dread even scheduling a visit, because we know that Mom will want to chat for far longer than we are available. It may be that while we are with them, the minutes just seems to be lagging and we could be making a far better use of our time.

To this end, I'd like to suggest a few ways in which we can practice patience in our fast-paced world, and be able to offer the extraordinary gift of our presence in the lives of our elderly parents, friends and neighbours.

1. Time is valuable, and your aging parents understand that.

While your parents may have lived in a different era, they value the hours in the day just the same way you do. Let their desire for your time teach you to remember that time is well spent with them. We tend to neglect the things that aren't urgent, but things that are important are just as critical!

2. Leave your phone in your car or purse. (Or shut it off completely before you go!)

Avoid the awkwardness of having your phone vibrating away in easy reach while you are visiting. Your aging parent notices it!

3. A longer visit isn't necessarily a better visit.

If all the time you can truly afford to spend with your parent is a half hour, do not stretch it longer thinking that they will appreciate the visit more. They would likely much rather have a half hour of your focused, attentive time than an hour of you fidgeting and eager to leave.

We hope that you find these tips useful for navigating a world that overvalues speed to the detriment of the things that matter most.

Image from Creative Commons.