50 Photos Of Older People Being Absolutely Wholesome
What would we do without our grandparents?
A subreddit called r/AdorableOldPeople is dedicated to people sharing pictures of older people being wholesome and adorable. Even though the name itself may seem somewhat demeaning to some people, the content is lovely. The photos and screenshots of message exchanges show how full of life and love the senior citizens are.
Age is just a number and shouldn't influence how we feel inside, and these people are the best proof. For example, a philosophy teacher Randall Horton says that even people in their 50s like to believe they are in their "young 50s" or that they look good "for their age."
1. A 76-year-old retired Air Force Colonel and his 4-year old granddaughter
Extra_blueberries2. "My Grandpa Has Alzheimer’s And Can’t Always Remember His Grandkids Names, So We Custom Made A Shirt That Has All Our Names And It’s His New Favourite Shirt"
MolicaKurth56653. "Doris Absolutely Destroyed Me In Words With Friends"
decentbirthday
The Importance of Intergenerational Relationships
Research shows that intergenerational relationships can significantly enhance mental well-being. Older adults often provide wisdom and emotional support, while younger generations can energize and inspire their elders. According to studies published in the Journal of Gerontology, these interactions foster resilience, reduce feelings of loneliness, and promote a stronger sense of community.
Moreover, the emotional bond formed through shared experiences often leads to improved psychological health in both age groups. For instance, spending quality time with grandparents can reinforce a sense of belonging and purpose, bridging generational gaps.
4. Old school manners
mashable
5. Uncles
KAreports
6. "My 97-Year-Old Grandma Doesn’t Use Computers, But I Found A Meme Years Ago That I Thought She’d Like So I Sent It In The Mail. Turns Out She’s Kept It At Her Bedside Ever Since"
sto_sa
From a developmental psychology perspective, interactions with older adults can provide younger individuals with valuable life lessons. As Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, notes, "Sharing stories across generations fosters understanding and connection, enriching the lives of both the storyteller and the listener." This mentorship effect is crucial in reinforcing family bonds and cultural heritage, as grandparents share their life experiences, which creates a sense of identity that can be critical in adolescent development. Dr. Doherty emphasizes, "These narratives not only impart wisdom but also strengthen the fabric of family relationships."
7. The best neighbor ever
Arctic_Mandalorian
8. Cosplay is for all ages!
SkelletonQueenX
9. "My Grandad Being All Giggly When He Was Chatting About His Childhood And All The Mischief He Got Up To Behind His Mothers Back!!!"
UnpreparedSugar
The Psychological Benefits of Wholesome Interactions
Positive interactions with older adults can have profound psychological benefits. Studies indicate that engaging with elders can enhance emotional regulation and empathy among younger individuals. A study conducted by researchers at Stanford University found that individuals who maintain close relationships with older family members exhibit increased levels of compassion and understanding.
These relationships serve as a buffer against stress and can lead to improved mental health outcomes for both parties involved. Encouraging regular family gatherings or community events that facilitate these interactions can further strengthen these bonds.
10. Grandpa jokes.... the best
__Niche__
11. "This Is A Selfie My Dad Sent Me"
Elby63
12. "I Live Abroad. My Grandparents Called Me To Urgently Check The Security Web Cams Of My House Back Home. Turns Out They Called So I Could See Them Standing With A Heart And Waving At Me"
isitmeuarelookingfor
Moreover, the act of caring for older individuals can lead to what psychologists refer to as the 'helper's high.' This phenomenon, studied by researchers at UCLA, suggests that altruistic behavior can trigger the release of endorphins, resulting in feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
Encouraging younger generations to participate in volunteer work with the elderly can help cultivate these positive feelings while also fostering a sense of purpose and community responsibility.
13. Wonderful re-creation
ReagansRougeBanana
14. "Did A Christmas Scavenger Hunt. This Is What My Grandpa Sent For 3 Wise Men"
Origami_kittycorn
15. "My Mom Died Of Covid June 8th. I Found This Her Writing On The Back Page Of This Blank Book I Gave Her Years Ago"
spudgrrl
Navigating Generational Differences
Understanding generational differences is crucial in fostering positive relationships between younger and older individuals. As Dr. Esther Perel, a renowned couples therapist, states, "Communication is the bridge between generations, and understanding each other's styles can prevent misunderstandings." Research indicates that younger generations often favor digital communication, while older adults may prefer face-to-face interactions. Bridging this gap requires patience and adaptability, encouraging both sides to explore each other's preferred communication methods. Workshops or family discussions can be an effective way to address these differences and enhance mutual understanding, as noted by Dr. John Gottman, a leading marriage researcher who emphasizes the importance of open dialogue in relationships.
16. The purest thing....
doyou_feel_me
17. "This Is My 96 Year Old Grandma, Willie. She Survived The Great Depression, Being Hit By A Fire Truck And Being In A Coma, And Losing Her Husband At A Young Age. Now She Drinks Liquor And Smokes Cigars, Still Lives Alone And Hits On Younger Men. I Love Her With Everything I’ve Got"
motherroadsdaughter
18. HI MILLY
okayyeahwhatever2
Additionally, age-related stereotypes can create barriers in communication. As Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, states, "Ageism can lead to younger individuals dismissing the wisdom of older adults, which undermines intergenerational relationships." Promoting positive narratives around aging and encouraging open dialogues about experiences can help dismantle these stereotypes, fostering healthier, more respectful relationships across generations. According to Gretchen Rubin, a happiness researcher, "Understanding and valuing the experiences of older adults enriches our own lives and strengthens community bonds."
19. "My Parents Sent Me This From Their Retirement Community Today"
Ace497
20. Bravo, Maureen!
iNeedHealing24_7
21. A man suffering from vitiligo creates dolls to make kids with the same condition feel better.
biabia___x0
22. "Pink Hat Guy"
Adelu1219
23. When you want to join a march, but can’t walk....
afierygal
24. Let’s call it Bob....
JJ_Denhollander
25. "My Mom Is Almost In Her 60’s And Started Her Weight Loss Journey Around This Time Last Year! 85 Pounds Down!! It’s Never Too Late To Change Your Life!"
_bbennyy
26. This man is taking picture of his wife without her realizing it
AnyRandomRedditor
27. "Dad Went Out In The Snow To Feed The Birds, And Made A New Friend! It's Official, He's A Disney Princess Now"
ClearBrightLight
28. "My Grandmas 94 Last Week. She Has Dementia And Is Bed Ridden But She Still Has Her Good Spirits. She Loves This Teddy Bear My Cousin Gave Her. So If Me And My Mom Are Feeding Her And She Starts To Fiddle, She Holds Onto It. Love Her So Much"
sarahcantfunction
29. "Sent A Picture Of A Final Fantasy 7 Character To My Mum Thinking She Looked Like Her, She Recreated The Look And Pretty Much Nailed It"
Kahootlu
30. She Said "I Haven't Been Carried Like This Since My Wedding Day"
alfaguara27
31. "I Love My Grandpa So Much"
eh_itzvictor
32. "This Is My 85 Year Old Physics Teacher, Him And His Wife Just Had A Light Saber Fight"
KP20024
33. Good advice
FlyingPenguinzzz
34. Awesome grandma
applepiehobbit
Treating our senior citizens like this can have serious consequences. One of the examples is when health care workers infantilize older people, they tend to ignore their patients' sexual health. An article in Today's Geriatric Medicine says that "prevailing misconceptions among health care providers regarding a lack of sexual activity in older adults contribute to making elders an extremely vulnerable population."
The result of this unawareness is that STD rates among the aged population are increasing incredibly fast. About 80% of adults between 50 and 90 are sexually active, but they are rarely tested for STDs.
Horton, however, is more worried about what she calls "the basic harm.""As we age, we lose the respect of our fellow beings, and we lose our status as persons," she said.'"
35. "Grandpa Brings Dog To Furniture Store To Make Sure She Likes Chair Too"
LadyAdiee
36. "My Neighbor Almost Had My Mom Worried For His Safety"
DreamCyclone84
37. "My Professor Is 74 And He Isn’t Confident Using Zoom So He’s Prerecorded The Rest Of Our Classes. Today, I Watched The First One. He Has A Pinocchio Doll In The Front Row Because He Isn’t Comfortable Teaching To An Empty Room. I’m Social Distancing For This Man And This Man Only"
Ph0on-
38. "My Grandpa’s 88th Birthday Was A Few Weeks Ago. My Sister Got Him A Coloring Book And Crayons. He Says He’s Never Colored Before, But He Seems To Enjoy It. He Shows All His Visitors The Pages He’s Finished. He’s Colorblind, So Some Of The Puppies Are Pink, But He’s So Happy. He Melts My Heart"
stephiebob
39. He's been waiting a long time for a nice pic.
reddit.com
It's obvious that the subreddit and the members have the best intentions, but Horton noticed that people seem to think they are honoring our elderly citizens by treating them as kind of mascots. "Many videos on social media feature adults who are 'adorable' or 'precious' dancing, singing, or doing other activities they have no doubt done for their entire lives. The videos are presented with the exact same attitude behind videos of kittens, puppies, and babies."
"Videos of the elderly seem to take the same attitude: It is amazing that older people might still do the things they love. If they attempt to engage in the activities that make them happy, they are 'so cute.
40. "My 92 Year Old Grandpa Holding My Parrot For The First Time. He Insisted That I Take A Photo Of Him So He Could Print It Out To Show His Friends"
welcome-to-trench
41. "They Dated In Their Teens, Married Different People, And Got Back Together 65 Years Later. My Grandma And Her Boyfriend"
Burkenstockss
42. "I Lost My Dad At Walmart And Ended Up Finding Him In The Garden Section Watering Plants"
bambiartistic
43. "My Dad Thought He Was Taking A Picture Of My Kids And Accidentally Had It On Front Facing. It Fills Me With Joy That This Is What His Face Looks Like When He’s Watching My Kids. He’s A Great Dad"
missbinz
44. "My Nana Is Bored So She’s Keeping Me Fresh During The Quarantine"
Lewis390
45. So sweet...
logangornik
46. Matching....
djbewbz
47. "Obama Told This 90-Year Old Veteran He Didn't Have To Stand. He Said, "No Sir, You're The President"
The_Real_Potatos
48. "My Mom Got To Visit Snow White - Her Favorite Princess Since She Was A Little Girl. My Mom Retired Friday And This Was Her First Trip To Disney Ever"
Paelidore
49. "My Grandpa Mac, 92 Years Old, Just Got New Security Cameras Around His House. He Has My Cousin, Aaron, And I On The Online Login (He’s Not Too Computer Savvy) So We Can See What’s Going On. He Sends Us Random Messages Through The Cameras"
JustShimoon
Horton says that old people are still very rational and smart. "I realize we all suffer some cognitive decline as we age and some are affected by diseases that accelerate or accentuate that decline, but young people also suffer brain injury, disease, and other limitations on cognitive ability. Age is not a sufficient reason to believe someone is stupid."
Horton highlights the issue of "elderspeak," which is characterized by treating elderly people like children. Even more, she feels this condescending language is often inappropriate for kids as well. Unfortunately, the "elderspeak" is a large problem in health care settings.
"For some reason, when people talk to older patients, they tend to slow their speech, raise the volume, and sing their sentences," Horton explained. "In addition, every statement seems to become a question and second person pronouns are replaced with first-person plural pronouns ( e.g., 'you' becomes 'we') ...
At a time when nursing home workers are sharing explicit photos and videos of older adults on social media, complaining about 'sweetheart' seems almost quaint, but both the diminutive terms and the more extreme demeaning media rob patients of their dignity and personhood."
50. Just look at that smile!
D_Kaz09
Psychological Analysis
Our in-house psychologist emphasizes that the warmth and support offered by older generations can help younger individuals navigate the complexities of life. This dynamic is vital for emotional growth, as it not only strengthens familial bonds but also cultivates a sense of empathy and understanding in youth.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Overall, the reciprocal benefits of intergenerational relationships are well-documented in psychological research. Studies consistently highlight that these bonds can enrich lives, enhance emotional health, and foster community resilience.
As noted by Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, "The connections we form across generations are vital for our emotional and social well-being." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Eli Finkel, a relationship researcher, who states, "Intergenerational relationships not only provide support but also create a sense of belonging that is essential for mental health."
