It is sometimes difficult to start and hold a conversation with older persons even when we ourselves are 'classified' as being elderly. Here are some tips for you and the younger generation which could be helpful for you.

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The difficulty is due to a variety of reasons that can include hearing challenges, communication difficulties, chronic pain, and cognitive decline. Any of these factors can decrease their attention span and make having conversations a bit more difficult.

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Speaking to seniors is, of course, similar to speaking to someone your own age. However, there are a few ways you can improve your listening and speaking skills, which can make a conversation more meaningful.

First, remember that communication is both listening and speaking. Often, a family member goes into a conversation as the main speaker, leaving the senior to listen most of the time. Instead, ensure you are giving plenty of speaking time to your loved one. Offer encouraging words so that they continue with their story or point of view. To keep them talking, try saying, “Tell me more about that.” Or ask, “What happened next?”
 

If you don’t agree with your loved one’s opinion during a conversation, resist the urge to argue. Instead, see if you can just redirect the conversation to something that will leave you both feeling peaceful.

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Conversations can turn ineffective with the wrong approach. Here are a few bad practices that can lead to poor responses:

• Don’t assume every older adult has hearing challenges. Resist the urge to speak loudly and instead check in to ensure they can hear you.

• Don’t have a conversation while you are doing the dishes, cleaning up, or focusing on another task.

• Don’t stand up while they are sitting down. Instead, get at eye level before starting your conversation.

• Don’t interrupt. Remember, silence doesn’t have to be awkward.

• Don’t redirect if your loved one starts talking about a subject that isn’t directly related to the question you asked. You might learn something new from the story they are choosing to tell.

• Don’t make yourself the star of the show. Although you are certainly a part of the conversation, try to keep the focus on your loved one instead of jumping in with too many of your own stories.

• Don’t be afraid to use physical items to move the conversation along. Use photos or objects that might spark new conversations.