Teach your elders to play

Many of our parents and  grandparents have spent most of their lives working and have had little time for leisure. Now that retirement age is near and the house is clear, your parents or grandparents will have lots of free time – so much so, that they may not even know what to do with themselves.

That is where you need to offer some guidance. Depression and sadness are feelings of the past, and new Latino empty nesters and retirees should fear not.

The first step in teaching your loved ones how to play, is talking with them about transitioning  into their new roles. Plan to have this talk in an intimate setting, either at a lunch date or when they are home alone. Explain that they are not solely obligated to take care of their family. This is the hardest step for them to accept. Reassurance will go a long way in proving that it is okay for them to have fun in their newly acquired free time.

Sooner rather than later is the key to successfully transitioning struggling parents or grandparents into accepting their new roles. By preparing them early, they can get involved with activities in advance so they are not so lonely or lost when they retire or have children leave home.

Volunteerism’s importance cannot be overly stressed as it helps improve psychological and physical health, while simultaneously bettering communities.

Adventure comes hand in hand with freedom, and what better avenue to pursue than travel? Vacationing, especially with their honey, will reignite the passion in their love life. If your loved ones happen to be single, suggest trips for singles so that they have the opportunity to mingle.

Upon returning from their trip, promoting their development of genuine long-term interests is critical to keeping boredom at bay. Below, is a list of hobbies that can be easily incorporated into their week.

1)  Engage in social media. Follow people with similar interests on Twitter or Facebook.

2)  Learn a new language or skill by taking a class at a local community college or via Rosetta Stone.

3)  Save the music and take an interest in a musical instrument or choir.

4)  Blog about being newly retired or an empty nester.

5)  Grow your own food and flowers by starting a garden.

6)  Capture memories by scrapbooking digitally or the old-fashioned way.

7)  Plan dates, between friends or with a honey. Try flying a kite and having picnics. This may sound childish, but it is truly relaxing and simplistically beautiful.

8)  Develop culinary skills and try recipes that you may enjoy but never tried because of picky eaters. Scan food blogs, the Food Network or the Cooking Channel website for inspiration.

9)  Focus on improving your health. Join a local gym or “Y” classes.

Volunteerism, traveling and hobbies will keep your loved ones feeling important and needed by not only you, but also their clique of friends and community. Remember, your parent or grandparent spent their life supporting you, so be supportive of their happiness, wherever it may lie.