Do You Want to Connect with Your Teenage Grandkids?

My grandson has just turned 14 and is now a full-fledged teenager. Let’s be real, it's been so long since I was a teenager that I think teenagers are like a foreign species. One minute they’re ignoring you; the next, they’re asking deep questions about life (or if you have snacks). Being a grandparent is a joy, but it’s also a balancing act. We want to be respected, but sometimes our long-held habits can make us seem, well… less cool than we’d like.

I have over 40 years of experience working with teenagers in my previous life, however, it has been over 12 years since I have worked with them and times have changed. Here are some ideas to kick to the curb so you can stay on your grandkids' "cool list"—or at least avoid the dreaded eye roll.

1) Routine is important but try to be flexible.
I love my routines; I was asked the other day if I would rather go do something or stay at home and read a good book. I said I would love to stay home and read the book. Let’s face it, we all love our routines; clinging to the past makes us about as relatable as a rotary phone. Try embracing change. Say yes to a TikTok video (even if you have no clue what it is) or ask about those “memes” they’re always laughing at. Bonus: You get to confuse them with stories of dial-up internet and even better how you used  encyclopedias to get information which was only 10 years out of date.

2) Do not Zone Out
When your grandkid goes on about their favourite video game, your instinct might be to zone out or politely nod. Don’t! Lean in, ask questions, and act intrigued—even if you think Mario is still the only guy in the game world. Show them you care. You never know, you might pick up some gaming lingo to impress (or embarrass) them later.

3) Boundaries are meant to be just that, give them Space.
Remember, teens need their space—both physically and emotionally. Texting them three times a day might seem caring to you, but to them, it screams “grandparent paparazzi.” Respect their privacy and watch how your relationship flourishes. A good rule of thumb: ask yourself, “Would I have wanted this from my mother-in-law?”

4) Complaining about whatever and doing so excessively
A little constructive feedback is fine, but if you sound like a running commentary on what they should do, you might as well slap on a “Certified Critic” badge. Try this instead: “Wow, you’re really good at that!” (Even if “that” is just scrolling Instagram for hours.)

5) Be curious about their world
Their hobbies might feel bizarre to you—cosplay, anyone?—but showing genuine curiosity can work wonders. Dive in with questions, or better yet, join in. Imagine their delight (and mild horror) when you announce you’re ready to try Minecraft or learn the latest dance trend.

6) Lead by example don’t hold on to your grudges with them or your peers
Teens mess up. It’s their unofficial job. Whether they forgot your birthday or borrowed your garden tools without asking, let it go. Holding a grudge won’t help, and forgiveness gives you major “wise elder” points. Cue their amazement when you say, “Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff.”

7) Avoiding difficult conversations build bridges not walls.
Yes, they can be awkward, but avoiding them creates walls instead of bridges. Approach these moments like a good cup of tea—warm, calming, and always with a little sweetness. Trust me, they’ll appreciate your honesty and feel closer to you for it.

8) Leave the micro-managing to mom and dad
It’s tempting to bubble-wrap your grandkids, but stepping back lets them grow. Resist the urge to micromanage their every decision (even if it’s a questionable haircut). Let them fail, learn, and know you’re there with a hug and a story about your wild teenage days.

9) Lead by example, take care of yourself
Want to impress your grandkids? Show them you’re rocking your golden years. Join a yoga class, try a new hobby, or start that blog you’ve been mulling over. When they see you taking care of yourself, they’ll admire your independence and zest for life. Plus, it gives you cool stories to share that don’t involve the weather.

10) Show them your Unconditional Love
At the end of the day, what your grandkids need most is to know your love doesn’t come with strings attached. Be their safe haven—whether they aced the math test or dyed their hair neon green. Your unconditional love is the glue that holds your bond together.

Connection Is Key

Being a grandparent isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present. Remember, teens may roll their eyes or groan, but deep down, they love you. And when you make the effort to connect, you’ll find that your relationship can be one of the greatest joys in your life.

So, ditch those habits, embrace a little change, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself along the way. After all, staying young at heart isn’t about age, it’s about attitude.

Now, go text your grandkids. Just maybe not three times in a row.

Two Views of Aging

In recent years, we've seen a shift in how technology helps older adults. Instead of just focusing on products designed specifically for "aging" or "elderly care," consumer electronics, like smartwatches and earbuds, are starting to play a big role in improving life for older adults.

Caring for the Frail: Many people believe that as soon as someone turns 65, they need products to help "care for them." This approach is important for those who are frail or need extra support, but it doesn’t reflect the reality for everyone.

Living Vibrantly: Many older adults are vibrant, independent, and active. Instead of "care products," they want tools and gadgets that enhance their quality of life and help them stay independent as they age.

Examples of Change:

Falls: Traditional medical alert pendants focus on summoning help after a fall. While reliable, they often look and feel stigmatizing. In contrast, smartwatches like the Apple Watch or similar devices from Google and Samsung offer fall detection features while looking stylish and modern. They say, “I’m tech-savvy,” not “I’m old and frail.”

Hearing Aids: Apple recently added hearing aid features to AirPods. While they may not be as advanced as traditional hearing aids, they don’t carry the same stigma. They look like everyday earbuds, which many people of all ages use.

Older adults are not all the same. Some need significant care and benefit from specialized medical devices. But many others just need tools to help them adjust to aging without feeling “old.”

Consumer electronics are stepping in to provide solutions that feel modern, aspirational, and empowering. They are not perfect yet, but they’re improving quickly. These innovations help older adults stay connected, independent, and confident.

Do seniors need Aspirational Products: Tools and gadgets that support vibrant older adults and improve their quality of life. Or do we need Medical Devices: Specialized products for those who are frail or need more intensive care. Understand the senior in your life and remember that the shift in technology shows us that aging is about more than “care.” It’s about living well and embracing tools that help us thrive at any age.

Why Shop Local? Support Your Community!

The Christmas rush is over and we are hunkering down waiting on the onslaught of bills to arrive in the post of online. However, we still have expenses that need to be met, so why not give your local business a boost.

When you shop at a local business, you're not just making a purchase you’re investing in your community. Every dollar you spend helps support local jobs, community events, and the unique character of your town. For example:

• A little girl can take dance lessons.

• A family puts food on the table.

• A student pays for college.

Studies show that for every $100 spent at a local, independent business, up to $63 is recirculated in the local economy, compared to only $14 when spent at multinational corporations. This money returns to your community through charitable donations, taxes, job creation, and local supply chains.

Local Spending: A Ripple Effect Local businesses have an outsized impact on job creation and economic growth:

• Local retailers re-circulate 45% of their revenue compared to 17% for chains.

• Local restaurants re-circulate 65% versus 30% for chain counterparts.

• Local suppliers re-circulate 33%, significantly more than 19% by large companies.

The Power of Local Ownership Locally owned businesses:

• Employ local residents and contribute to community stability.

• Support local charities, sports teams, and cultural events.

• Prioritize purchasing from local suppliers, keeping money in the region.

By choosing local businesses, you contribute to a vibrant, sustainable community. Let’s keep our towns unique, connected, and thriving—one purchase at a time.

Reduce your risk of falling in 2025

 The following information is from Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network, November 2024

Falling for seniors can have serious consequences. Falls can change your life, or they can end your life. There are many risk factors that can contribute to falls. Among them, did you know that medications can increase the risk of falling? In fact, the more medications you take, the greater your risk of falling. This is a direct result of what is called  “medication overload". Researchers have estimated that our risk of falling increases by 75% when we take as few as four medications! However, it’s important to recognize that not all medications increase the risk of falling to the same degree.

Certain types of medications increase the risk of falls. Different types of medications can increase our risk of falls by affecting the way our body works. Here are a few examples:

·         Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, making us less alert, affecting our coordination and potentially causing us to lose our balance.

·         Some medications cause our blood pressure or heart rate to drop, which increases the risk of dizziness and low blood pressure. This is particularly true when changing positions: for example, when moving from lying down to standing up.

·         Some medications lower blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels become too low (called hypoglycemia), it can make us feel weak or cause us to faint, leading to falls.

Ten Medications that increase your risk of falls

1. Sleeping pills

2. Antidepressants

3. Opioids

4. Diabetes medications

5. Diuretics for increased urination

6. Antipsychotics

7. Anti-epilepsy

8. Muscle relaxants

9. Prostate medications

10. Medications that dilate blood vessels.

What can you do? Start a conversation. Good communication with your doctor, pharmacist and/or nurse is essential to ensure safe and effective health care. To start a conversation, here are some questions you can ask about your medications:

1. Why am I taking this medication?

2. What are the potential benefits and harms of this medication?

3. Can it affect my memory or cause me to fall?

4. Can I stop or reduce the dose of this medication (i.e. deprescribing)?

5. Who do I follow-up with and when?

If you don't know the answers to the above questions, ask your health care provider at your next visit. Remember to bring a complete list of your medications.