In the Philippines, grandparents are more than just your parents’ parents— they’re an integral part of the family. They play an important role as second parents, and can sometimes even be second providers for the family. In most families, grandparents live in the same household as the nuclear family, making the bonds between grandparent and grandchild stronger than in other cultures.
Grandparents’ Day in the Philippines is celebrated every second Sunday of September, but that’s not the only day in the year you can show your appreciation for your lolo and lola. Below are a few things you can do to shower your grandparents with love and affection.
Spend Time With Them
Researchers at the University of Oxford found that grandchildren who are close to their grandparents have fewer behavioral problems than their peers who aren’t. While the benefits of the grandparent-grandchild bond are scientifically proven, it’s important to strengthen that bond regularly.
Spending time with your grandparents makes them feel valued, and you can also learn a thing or two from their stories. Your grandparents can share tips about life, teach you a little bit about your family history, or simply be a great conversation partner. Take some time out of your week to listen to what they have to say, and you might learn a thing or to along the way.
Help Around The House
Respect is an important part of Philippine society, and no one is more deserving of that than your grandparents. Because of their advanced age, it might be harder for them to do activities that need to be done around the house. According to the Philippine Star, an estimated 8.1 million Filipinos are living with osteoporosis, and your grandparents may be among that number.
To reduce the chances of fractures, make sure that you help out with the heavy lifting around the house. This is important not only as a sign of respect, but also as a sign of consideration for their aging bodies, which may not be as young and spry as they once were.
Join Them on Their Errands
Another way you can show your love for your grandparents is by showing them that their daily lives matter. You can join them on their regular errands, such as grocery shopping or their doctor’s appointments. By doing this, you can assist with whatever it is they need help with, as well as show them that their time matters to you, too. Plus, accompanying them on their daily rounds means that you have a better idea of what your grandparents are up to, giving you a better picture of who they are as an individual.
Invest in Their Health
The World Health Organization lists several health problems associated with aging, such as hearing loss, cataracts, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and dementia. With these diseases comes an increased chance of hospitalization, which can be costly for the family. Prepare in advance for hospitalization by investing in the right health insurance product for your grandparents.
Paramount Direct’s PrimeCare Cash Plan is specially designed for clients 50 to 75 years old, with coverage until 80 years of age. It has affordable plans which start as low as Php 213 monthly, with Daily Cash, Daily ICU, and Surgical Cash Benefits. Show your grandparents you care by investing in their health today.
For more tips on how to grow as an individual, check out the Personal Development category on Anything Rad.