Positive interaction with grandparents could represent an advantage on a psychological and emotional level. In Guatemala, Grandparents’ Day is celebrated every July 26.
National Grandparents Day is celebrated on the same date that the Catholic Church commemorates Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, grandparents of Jesus.
Psychologist and sexuality specialist Yosahandi Alcalá (IG:@yosahandi.alcala) explains that grandparents are an important figure in the family. “Grandparents give us pillars of principles and values, as well as traditions, as their homes are, on many occasions, the centres of activities and unity in the family group… where everyone gathers for celebrations,” she says.
For Alcalá, they also represent a figure of security, especially for grandchildren: “It is a different kind of love because they are allowed more things than children. Grandchildren are allowed more and it is like a reflection of the experience they have accumulated in their life.”
“The role of grandparents is crucial in the emotional development of the family, as they provide unconditional love and comfort to their children and grandchildren, which translates into a sense of security and family protection. In many cases, they become the guardians of their grandchildren and actively participate in their upbringing,” quotes an article published by Carol de Enríquez, director of APDE La Villa.
This clarifies that they are also a generational bridge, and in that connection, understanding, comprehension, respect and tolerance are promoted.
There are young grandparents, starting at 40 years old, and others who reach their experience after 50 or 60 years old. The truth is that at any time it is important to value grandparents for their contributions such as transmitting knowledge, maintaining certain customs that are passed down from generation to generation, as well as the experiences that are acquired with age… They are providers of love and customssays Angie Mendoza, clinical psychologist (IG: @enmenteycuerpo).
The World Health Organization estimates that Populations around the world are ageing more rapidly than in the past, but in Latin America and the Caribbean this demographic transition is taking place even more rapidly. More than 8% of the population was aged 65 or older in 2020, and that percentage is expected to double by 2050 and exceed 30% by the end of the century.
Mendoza points out that some grandparents become dependent at a certain age because they begin to suffer health problems or their cognitive or physical functions are no longer what they used to be, which causes them to isolate themselves. “This is what we must avoid, so that they do not feel out of place or become depressed. The ideal is to make this transition a change, but not one that limits their opinion or stops them from doing certain activities. It is important to involve them at different times so that they continue to be part of the dynamics of life,” says Mendoza.
Enjoy the role of being a grandparent
The Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology explains that the role of the grandfather has been strengthened in recent years, due to the importance they are acquiring in their work as auxiliary caregivers and support in times of economic and family crises. In an article, the former president of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, José Antonio López Trigo, indicates: “although in most cases this activity is done voluntarily and with pleasure, it is also true that, in some cases, grandmothers and grandfathers have the feeling of working full-time and feel forced into the burden of care and education.”
They are often role models for future parents: from the first tasks of caring for the newborn to parenting guidelines or maintaining limits in adolescence. Some experts also comment that for grandparents this role is important because it is a way of feeling integrated and of increasing their sense of well-being.
Alcalá adds that some families do not have a grandfather or grandmother present, either due to distance or other circumstances, such as death. In such cases, it is important to reach out to friends, uncles or other relatives who provide security.
Chatting and learning with grandparents
In the coexistence between generations it is necessary to make an approach. The elderly enjoy talking, having a coffee, among other activities and dynamics.. The new generations, on the other hand, are more attached to technology and talk a little less, but it is possible to exchange experiences, to teach grandparents more about the social media environment, as well as promoting family time during which there is more talk and grandparents have the opportunity to share their experiences and anecdotes, which will also become part of the family legacy at some point.More than what a history book tells us, we can learn about their experience and that is enriching,” Mendoza adds.
“We need to be creative, and technology helps us a lot. A video call or a voice message brings us together on a daily basis,” Alcalá recalls, while Mendoza emphasizes that sometimes it is a matter of dedicating time and having patience to teach them how to use phones, computers and tablets, to create friendlier environments. “If they tell me what life was like in their time, in this way I can also show them what everything is like in this time, so that they do not remain isolated,” he reflects.
Alcalá also reminds us that it is important to recognize that emotional life and sexuality will never end, and if grandparents live with a partner, it is important that they always have dates alone, trips and other activities that unite them. Likewise, if they are alone, new loves could also arrive that will bring joy to their life. “They have the same illusion as someone who is 30: going out, eating, sharing with friends, meeting people. They are alive and it is important to nourish those illusions, we must respect them,” advises Alcalá.
Seven rules of life
The Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology offers some advice for when grandparents are caregivers.
- Do what you can and don’t overload yourself with work. Caring for grandchildren should be a pleasant activity, never a burden or a task that overwhelms us.
- Learn to say “no” to tasks that you don’t feel capable of doing, or if you have other plans or commitments.
- Don’t neglect your health and remember your medical appointments. Maintain a good diet and exercise.
- Communication is important, and when faced with any problem, it is best to talk to your children.
- Reserve your own spaces and times and continue practicing the activities you enjoy.
- Don’t feel guilty if you are not able to perform certain tasks as well as you used to. Find those that are easier for you.
- Establish rules and limits with your grandchildren to achieve better coexistence.
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