As our parents age, they tend to get lost in the ever-changing pace of life. At a certain age, a lot of people feel it’s all moving too fast and they should just take a seat and watch life go by. That may not be the best idea because as long as you are alive, you are a part of life. As we get older, the roles of parent and child shift and in some cases swap as children start caring for and teaching their parents about life and society. If you find yourself in one of those scenarios, here are a few things you should keep your parents up to date on as they continue on their journey.

Show Them How Facebook Works

Maybe not Facebook specifically, but keeping the older generation educated on how modern technology works is essential for their lives. You may not be around all the time to help them program televisions, work their cell phones, or turn on their computers. Keeping your older relatives up to date on how certain electronics work and why it’s important to know these things is to their benefit. A lot of technology and interface is the same across a lot of platforms, and knowing one platform helps them understand all the platforms. This keeps their brains sharp and gives you some free time from all the phone calls for help.

Show Them How Their Medical Devices Work

Some older members of the family may have medical devices like hearing aids or heart monitors or something of the sort. If your relatives are shut off from learning how modern technology works, the instructions from medical professionals may go in one ear and out the other. If you can’t be with your relative in person while they are at the doctor's, learn how these devices work so you can pass on that knowledge. You may also be able to explain it in a way that helps your parents understand. Humidity damages hearing aids and monitors may be low on batteries. When they know how it all works, they can identify and assess glitches on their own.

Show Them How to Be Active

As we get older, we think we can continue to do what we have always done, and that just may not be true. Some of us may not be able to run as far as we used to or lift as much weight as we used to. When that happens, you have to adjust and stay active in other ways. Some of the older generations just give up and commit to being old. Don’t let that happen. Educate your loved ones on how to continue to stay active at any age. Help them research exercises, help them contact their doctors, and help them create a routine that works for them and their lifestyle. The more active they are the longer they will be around and that’s the whole point of helping them out in the first place.