One of the great things about growing older is that no matter how old we get, we tend to hold onto a part of the innocence we had as children. Seeing the ways in which grandparents look at their grandchildren and how happy they are while doing things for those they love is simply remarkable. No matter how old they get, elderly folks are constantly doing and saying things that warm our hearts. Let's have a look at a handful of these wholesome elderly moments. Enjoy the smiles but beware, it might be a good idea to keep some tissues handy as some of them WILL initiate our "awe" reflexes while others could possibly get the waterworks going.
"He Just Wanted To Say Hi"
Installing security camera's around the home is a great way for elderly people to feel safer and more secure in their households. In case of emergency, as an extra safety net, this next grandpa made sure his grandsons had access to the live feeds from his cameras.
It's a great thing that he did. During the lockdowns, that occurred as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, he was able to let his grandkids see that he was alright and it gave him something to do to help pass the time.
"...Squirrel..."
If wholesomeness is what someone is after, Disney films usually have just the thing. They're not just great to watch but are also fun to recreate with loved ones.
The good news is, this version of Carl Fredricksen seems a lot more upbeat than the one in the film. In fact, the smiles on all three of their faces are just priceless.
"The Beginning Of A Beautiful Friendship"
A lot of older people live by themselves and don't have very many people with whom to converse. It's important to remember that every gesture, no matter how large or small, is appreciated by those in need of companionship.
Oh, Doris...Isn't she just adorable? She's just so grateful. And a kudos to the delivery driver for great service and for being a decent human being. That was a day that neither of them will probably be forgetting any time soon.
"Not Just Great...The Greatest"
The "greatest generation" is the name that has been given to the generation of people who fought in World War 2. The allied forces were made up of men and women who willingly left their homes in order to fight for the freedom of the world. It was a generation of people who knew the meaning of the word "respect".
Seeing that this veteran was in a wheelchair, President Obama told this man that he didn't need to stand up in order to greet him. The man told him that he did need to stand because he was the President.
"Those Who Don't Remember The Past Are Destined To Repeat It"
Many people wrongly stereotype the elderly as being stuck in their old ways and unwilling to change. What these people are seemingly forgetting is that it was today's elder generation who stepped forward and marched with Dr. King back in 1965.
It doesn't matter how many years have passed, some folks refuse to give up the fight. He might not be able to march anymore, but his message is stronger than ever.
"He's Only Got Eyes For One Person"
Capturing important moments has never been easier than it is today. The creation of camera phones (or should we say cameras that have phones) has simplified the process of ensuring no moments are lost.
Although this couple was attending what appears to be an important event, the man has his camera focused on, who is to him, the most important person in the room.
"She Doesn't Give A 'Frack'!"
We waste so much of our lives doing what we believe we need to do in order to live longer. Part of our day is spent 'counting steps', while other parts are occupied by counting calories. Eventually, everyone gets to the point, some sooner than others, where they just stop stressing about the little things. After all, life is meant to be lived!
This grandma has thrown caution to the wind and decided to live life the way she wants. Why not enjoy a couple of glasses of wine and a good stogie at the family picnic. Cheers to you, grandma!
"With Just A Little Bit Extra, Something Can Go From Ordinary To EXTRAordinary"
The simplest gifts have the potential to make the largest impact. Sometimes, it just takes a little longer for the impact to be felt.
In 1992, Shelley gave her mum the gift of an empty notebook. It wasn't until after her mother passed away, however, that Shelley learned the true value of the gift she had given her mum all those years ago.
"It Has Been A While"
No matter how old we get there are some things that we never forget. Like riding a bike or our wedding day.
In the face of adversity and in need of a firefighter to rescue her, this sweet old lady still found the time to let her hero know that he was the first to carry her like this since her wedding day. Leave it to a damsel in distress to brighten a firefighter's day.
"That's One Pride-Filled Grandma!"
It's important to remember that although grandparents might seem rather judgemental at times and they will, most likely, never understand "what's wrong with kids these days?", but when it comes to their family, all that matters is health and happiness.
Most people assume that old folks are stuck in their old ways, however, we don't give senior citizens enough credit these days. They're a lot more progressive than one might think.
"Arrr Matey"
All because someone is getting up there in age, that doesn't mean that they have lost their sense of adventure or sense of humor, and it definitely doesn't mean they should stop trying new things.
Having never seen a parrot in real life before, when this man's grandson brought one home, he asked if he could have his picture taken to show his friends at the lodge. Holding the parrot is one thing, but the pirate face completes the picture.
"When you Wish Upon A Star"
Online schooling became more popular than anyone could have imagined in 2020. As most professors relied on teaching their classes through Zoom lectures, some were not too keen on the idea.
This prof wasn't confident enough in his ability to instruct his class live through Zoom, so he prerecorded all of his lecturers. In order to give himself a student to speak to, he placed a small wooden Pinocchio doll in the front row and lectured to it.
"'Normal' Is What We Make It"
When they are young, children have a tough time understanding why some people look or sound different than themselves. The best way to help prevent that from happening is to integrate the child's world as best as possible. One grandpa, with a skin disorder, took it upon himself to help make his grandchildren more comfortable.
By crocheting dolls who also had vitiligo for his grandchildren this man was able to normalize a condition that might have otherwise confused the little ones. Not only do they have a wonderful grandfather but he makes dolls for them as well. I bet they can't wait for the next trip to Papi's place.
"Disney Grandpa"
I'm not sure why it is, but when people get older, they tend to be drawn more to nature. Their gardens get larger, and they begin to watch for the morning birds who pop by to say hi on a calm day.
This man's son decided to take a picture of his father feeding the birds on a winter morning. Little did he know his father was about to have his very own Snow White moment.
"Heart Of Gold"
It's tough for someone to just let go and step back after spending most of their life helping other people.
This is Maureen. Soon after she moved into this retirement home she asked the staff how she could help them. They let her know that after many years of looking after others, it was time for her to let other people look after her now. She wouldn't take no for an answer, and they ended up allowing Maureen to volunteer while living there as a helper. She helps to clean and fold the bedding.
"The Guys At The Lodge Are Never Going To Let Him Live This Down"
Grandparents are some of the most patient people in the world. It's probably because they've been around longer than us, but those old-timers sure are able to put up with a lot.
When someone is able to spend time with their grandchildren, especially in this day and age, every moment is a cherished moment. And this one is one that should be framed and mounted in the "Hall Of Memories (HOM)".
"Oh, The Trouble He Must Have Caused"
Until they grow up, it's difficult for grandchildren to see their grandparents as anything other than old people. When they get old enough to have real conversations with them, however, they are able to see grams and gramps in a whole new light.
This man is telling his grandchildren stories of the mischievous things that he got up to as a child. By the look on his face, it sure does appear as though he had a great time driving his parents crazy with all of his ridiculous antics growing up.
"It's Important To Stay Hydrated"
A man in America took his father to Walmart to pick up a few things. The man hadn't noticed, but after a short time, his father had wandered off and decided that he would help the staff do their jobs.
The elder of the two gentlemen had noticed that the plants in the Walmart home garden center were looking a little parched and decided to help them quench their thirsts.
"It's Never Too Late"
Witnessing people make life-altering changes is amazing to see, but when we observe senior citizens making the conscious decision to better themselves, mind, body, and soul, it's nothing less than awe-inspiring.
After retiring, this lady decided that enough was enough. She wanted to be able to run around after her grandchildren and see them grow into young adults. As a result, she changed her eating habits and began exercising. After more than a year of working on herself, she shattered her goals and is living her best life.
"Anyone For Some Mario Kart?"
Retirement homes are essentially college dormitories for older people that have nurses on duty 24/7 in case of emergency. As hesitant as some people are to move out of their homes and into a "home", after a little bit of time everyone adapts. Much like college, they just need to find those with whom they get along.
And then just like in college, there are those who find themselves pushing the limits and causing a commotion.
"I Named Mine Gerome"
Over the past few decades, there have been countless ways in which the world has changed. The culture that has developed around coffee is one of the changes that some people from the older generation are finding difficult to understand.
Darn crazy kids. Wearing pants around their ankles and naming their cups. Oh, bless her heart!
"9 Reasons Why"
Alzheimer's disease and dementia are extremely tough to experience for everyone involved. Not being remembered by a loved one can take a toll on even the strongest person, but not being able to remember those we love is exponentially worse. This next family found a way to help their grandpa remember them.
In order to help their grandpa remember their names on those tough days, they made him a shirt that has the names and 'faces' of each of the nine of them. That's a gift to remember.
"Ain't She Tweet"
There are many places to which we just assume our grandparents wouldn't be interested in joining us. However, it would probably surprise more than a few of us to see how much fun grandma and grandpa could be when given the chance.
If they've got nothing else to do, which they probably don't, an invitation to Comic-Con for a bit of cosplay might be just what they need to help them feel young again.
"Handle With Care"
People are putting video tutorials online for pretty much everything these days. One elderly gentleman even went as far as to post a video of how to properly deliver a baby.
This is adorable on too many levels. This baby and their grandfather clearly share a connection that transcends postal agreements. Another one to frame and mount for the "HOM".
"How Do You Work This Thing?"
Few things bring more joy to a grandparent than seeing the adorable, and sometimes crazy, things that their grandchildren do.
This gramps thought he was taking a picture of his grandchildren but he didn't realize the camera was focused on himself. What we were gifted with was an adorable picture, but not of the kids. This is a look of pure joy coming from a proud grandfather.
"Well...There You Have It"
When young couples are dating, one of the most important things is that they don't run out of things to talk about. With nothing to talk about, it's easy for people to drift apart. If things are meant to be, then in the words of the late great Dr. Ian Malcolm, "Life finds a way".
It would appear as though time does heal all wounds and, although the reason for their initial breakup is unknown, sixty-five years after these two split up life brought them back together again. With more than six decades spent apart and full lives worth of stories for the two to talk about, their "golden years" should be interesting.
"Not Trying To Stir The Pot Or Anything"
Growing older, unfortunately, means that things we used to take for granted don't quite work the way they used to anymore, like our hearing or our eyesight.
Leave it to a sweet old lady to make sure that no one thought she was upset. Someone should probably let Milly know that she can make the font bigger as well.
"Intruder Alert!"
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, family members were forced to go long periods of time without seeing each other. Some grandparents found ways for their families to see them while also helping them feel young again.
This grandma and grandpa called their family and asked them to check the security footage from their home out of fear that there might have been an intruder. When the family checked the cameras, all they found were grams and gramps waving at the camera and blowing kisses.
"Skinnamarinky Do!"
If possible, grandparents would tell their grandchildren how much they love them 24 hours a day 7 days a week. And thanks to modern technology...they can.
This grandma doesn't just want to tell her grandchildren how much she loves them, she needs them to see how happy they make her. Learning how to use her new phone prior to the pandemic was the best thing grandma could have done.
"Hold On, Let's Ask The Boss..."
The little furry companions that we bring into our homes become more than just companions, they're part of the family. That being said, it's important to ensure that every member of the family is able to enjoy the new furniture.
This grandpa took his dog along with him to test out new couches. After all, the little furball will be spending as much, if not more, time lounging on it than its person will.
"It's Less Work Than Sending Cards"
Watching the progression that our grandparents go through as they learn how to use modern technology is absolutely priceless. But not as priceless as the things they do with the tech once they've figured it out.
This grandpa is so thankful for all of the subscribers to his Youtube channel, that he writes down all the names of his subscribers and sends thanks to each of them personally during his show.
"Sometimes Forever Means Forever"
A high school couple was celebrating their prom at the Outback when an elderly man approached them and handed them a picture from his wallet.
It was a picture of him and his prom date from when he was in high school. He ended up marrying the woman in the picture, and all these decades later still carries their prom picture with him, keeping his cherished memories close by at all times.
"Where's Hubby?"
Some partners go to extraordinary lengths to ensure the comfort of their spouses. In the times before cellphones, one thoughtful husband found a way to allow his wife to keep track of his whereabouts.
Wearing a pink hat was this man's way of ensuring that his wife would be able to spot him behind home plate at every Cubs' game that he's gone to since the late '60s. He was making himself seen so his wife would know that he wasn't cheating on her.
"New Depths"
Dad jokes are corny and cheesy, but oddly witty and punny. Every dad thinks their own jokes are simply hilarious, but it's important to remember that every dad has a dad, and there's a whole other level to their jokes.
Grandad humor is fantastic. It's usually only the grandpa who gets the joke, but boy are they ever proud of themselves when one of their jokes land.
"Dave Is Definitely Here, Man...But Which One Is He?"
The longer that we're around the same people we tend to pick up on some of each other's quirks and traits. Sometimes, we even begin to look like each other.
"The Chameleon Effect" appears to be in full force here. Uncles Dave and Dave should probably be the spokespersons for the next Mentos ad.
"The Happiest Place On Earth"
Almost every child who grew up watching Disney films had, at one point or another, had aspirations of going to Disney World to see their favorite character in person. Unfortunately, going to Disney World isn't cheap and it takes some kids longer than others to have their dreams come true.
Take a moment to enjoy the look of childhood wonder and innocence on this woman's face. As a child, she had always dreamt of going to Disney World and meeting Snow White. After decades of waiting her dreams finally came true.
"It's For Adults As Well"
Many people in the elderly community are hesitant to let their guards down and try something fun. When one family got their grandpa a coloring book to help with his boredom, they were shocked by the result.
He loved it! A usually stubborn man pleasantly surprised his family by how quickly he took to coloring.
"Me, Myself, And I"
Whenever possible, if a grandparent is able to help their grandchild with something, they would usually turn the world upside down in order to do so.
When a young man messaged his grandfather asking for help for a Christmas scavenger hunt he was taking part in, his grandfather did not hesitate to send him a picture of "three wise men".
"Seems Like Only Yesterday"
As common as divorce has become in today's society, there are still some couples out there who have been able to prove that true love can outlast the tests of time.
This couple recreated their wedding photo more than five decades after they got married. Sure, they might look a little older but they also look to have fallen more in love with each other as the years have passed.
"Totally Worth The Wait"
Not all grandparents are well versed enough with modern technology to be able to operate the things that most of us have been using for a large part, if not all, of our lives. Some of the elderly still don't even have computers.
What we are looking at above is what happens when someone sees a meme they liked, but their grandma doesn't know how to use the internet. This granny's grandchild printed up the meme and sent it to her by registered post. Grandma liked it so much that she keeps it on her night table.