Life is an enchanting expedition full of novel experiences, transformations, and difficulties. As we grow older, we inevitably face a role reversal with our parents, whereby we take on a greater parental role in their lives. This experience can be both bitter and sweet as we watch our once strong and self-sufficient caretakers become frail and dependent on our care and attention.
It is surprising to witness our parents’ increasing reliance on us as they age, especially when we remember them as independent and responsible adults. Now, we make important decisions for them, navigate technology for them, and warn them about online scams.
As children, we relied on our parents for advice and support, but as we mature, we become their support system, helping them navigate life’s hurdles. While we enjoy being caregivers, there are moments when it can be challenging to see our parents transform into needy individuals who require constant supervision and care. It is heart-wrenching to observe them struggle with daily tasks and health issues, especially when they were once self-reliant and capable.
A similar issue was shared on Twitter by journalist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, who questioned why parents become so rigid as they age.
Taking to Twitter, Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj wrote,
Why do parents become so rigid in old age ? Why do they revolt if we ask them not to do something for their own health ? What’s the way to deal with parents if they’re not willing to listen at all ? It’s just so annoying
Why do parents become so rigid in old age ? Why do they revolt if we ask them not to do something for their own health ? What's the way to deal with parents if they're not willing to listen at all ?
It's just so annoying 😭😫😭
— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) April 21, 2023
It has just been three months since her father’s bypass operation, Deepika revealed that he still wants to go to the market—and that too in a scooter.
She wrote,
Unko sabzi mandi jaana hai vo bhi scooty par vo bhi shaam ko 😭😭😭 abhi 3 mahine hue hain bypass ko
— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) April 21, 2023
Twitter Users Reacted To Her Tweet
Users decided to explain what happened and why parents act like stubborn children in their older years. Have a look at some of the reactions:
It’s revenge time. Cause you didn’t listen to them when you were a child 😂
— Dr. Mahendra, MD Psychiatry (@drmahi17) April 22, 2023
Relatable. I think my parents are just taking revenge.. as I was a stubborn child 🤣
— Tejaswini (@tejaswinih) April 21, 2023
You cannot do much, try to influence as much as you can, but let them do what they feel like.
And the fact is everyone, each one of us would become rigid when we are old too; and the qualities that we dislike of them mostly would define us in our old age..
— Ramkrishna Iyer (@KannanK51531500) April 22, 2023
You can't do much here. It's difficult for them to change their age old beliefs.
Be reasonable with them. Do not expect them to stop something or start something with pinpoint adherence. Try to incorporate stuff slow and gradual.
Rest feel free to discuss details on whtsapp.
— Pathik Joshi💪 (@pathikj80) April 22, 2023
Maybe the generation gap, and they want their happy time always, don't want to do anything, just sit back and relax.
Rest, some things can be ignored while we take good care of them.
— Gagan Sokhey (@waveringmindz) April 22, 2023
Maybe the generation gap, and they want their happy time always, don't want to do anything, just sit back and relax.
Rest, some things can be ignored while we take good care of them.
— Gagan Sokhey (@waveringmindz) April 22, 2023
in old age person wants to retain his mental and physical autonomy, and view flailing health, the need to reaffirm his strength and vigour to himself overpowers his reason.
That’s why younger persons see an older person as stubborn and unreasonable.
— निवेशक (@Niveshak_) April 22, 2023
It happens with most of us. Just treat them like you would treat a child. Pyar se hi samjhana padega unko. Remember they are parents and they'd always think they know better ( even if they don't).
— ꧁༺ 𝓐𝓛𝓑𝓤𝓢 𝓑𝓡𝓘𝓐𝓝 𝓓𝓤𝓜𝓑𝓛𝓔𝓓𝓞𝓡𝓔 ༻꧂ (@PenduProfessor) April 22, 2023
It's natural, they have entered the second childhood phase.
— Mitul (@mehta_mitul77) April 22, 2023
It is a natural and unavoidable aspect of life that the roles of parents and children will reverse as time goes by. Though the process of caring for aging parents may come with mixed emotions, it’s vital to handle it with kindness, empathy, and understanding, recognizing that we are returning the same love and care they once gave to us.
