Eight Tips for Talking to Your Aging Parents About Important Issues

1. Empathize with feelings.
2. Practice good communication skills.
3. Let your parent be part of the decision-making process.
4. Start your discussions early.
5. Include other family members.
6. Agree to disagree.
7. Strive to honor and respect your parents.

How do you start a conversation with the elderly?

Conversation starters for elderly individuals are no different than starting a conversation with people your own age. Discussion Topics for Seniors

1. Ask about their past.
2. Ask for their views on the present.
3. Look toward the future.
4. Ask about their favorite things.
5. Ask about accomplishments.

What do you talk about with elderly parents?

The best way to ensure your aging parents will receive the best care possible is to talk with them about healthcare options, be sure documentation is current, discuss your responsibilities versus their increasing needs, schedule optimal care, and keep the communication open and active.

What questions should I ask my elderly parents?

10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Aging Parents

• Do You Have a Durable Power of Attorney?
• What Are Your End-of-Life Wishes?
• Do You Have a Will or Living Trust?
• Do You Have Long-Term Care Insurance or Another Plan in Case Long-Term Care is Required?
• Have You Made Sure That These Documents Are Current?

What should you not say to an elderly parent?

7 Things You Should Never Say to Your Aging Parents

• “You always tell me the same story!”
• “You need to use a cane/walker!”
• “You never feel good.”
• “You shouldn’t live alone anymore.”
• “You’re too old to drive.”
• “I can’t believe you missed that appointment.”
• “You don’t need a jacket today; it’s warm outside.”

What’s a good convo starter on text?

Conversation starters for texting

• What did you do on the last nice weather day?
• What do you love the most about your work?
• What do you think about what is going on in the world today?
• What is your favorite way to work out?
• What motivates you?

What are the best conversation starters?

Conversation Starters For Any Situation

• Tell me about yourself.
• Have you done anything exciting lately?
• What made you smile today?
• How did you meet the host?
• What’s your favorite form of social media?
• What was the last good book you read?
• Do you listen to any podcasts?

How do you set boundaries with the elderly?

Setting Boundaries With Difficult Elderly Parents

1. Have a plan before you attempt to visit.
2. Set ground rules and stick to them.
3. Use a non-threatening approach when trying to have a sincere and meaningful conversation.
4. Try to understand the reason your parent is hostile or abusive.
5. Remember, you are an adult.

What are the topics to discuss with parents?

Important questions you should ask your parents:

• What was your childhood like?
• What were you like in high school?
• How would your parents have described you?
• When you think about a fork in the road in your life, what was it and why did you choose that particular path?
• What happy memory will you cherish forever?

How do you have difficult conversations with aging parents?

10 Tips for Having Tough Conversations with Aging Parents

1. Parents often need extra help as they age but they may resist the extra attention to their personal matters.
2. Start Early.
3. Exercise Patience.
4. Choose the Right Conditions.
5. Do Your Homework.
6. Involve Your Siblings.
7. Converse with Empathy.
8. Listen.

What are some fun questions to ask?

List of fun questions to ask

• What would you name your boat if you had one?
• What’s the closest thing to real magic?
• Who is the messiest person you know?
• What will finally break the internet?
• What’s the most useless talent you have?
• What would be on the gag reel of your life?
• Where is the worst smelling place you’ve been?

What are good questions to ask elders?

Questions about getting older

• What are the most rewarding things about getting older? Is it a lifetime of knowledge?
• What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in your life?
• Who has influenced you the most?
• What life advice would you pass along?
• If you could go back to any age, what would it be?

What’s a good question to ask?

Break the ice and get to know people better by selecting several of these get-to-know-you questions.

• Who is your hero?
• If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
• What is your biggest fear?
• What is your favorite family vacation?
• What would you change about yourself if you could?
• What really makes you angry?

How do you deal with a demanding elderly parent?

While you primarily carry the load, consider ten tips for dealing with demanding elderly parents without sacrificing your own needs.

1. Schedule Regular Medical Checkups.
2. Arrange Transportation.
3. Perform Home Maintenance.
4. Schedule Companionship.
5. Purchase Food Delivery.
6. Offer Social Activities.
7. Perform Light Housekeeping.

How do you tell old parents about bad news?

A Few Tips When Talking About Bad News with Senior Parents

1. I’m afraid I have some tough news to talk about….
2. I have something very important to tell you….
3. I think we need to discuss a difficult topic….
4. I’m hoping….
5. I’m fearing….
6. I wish I had different news to tell you….