Older people have lived more life than you have. That means they have more experiences under their belts and likely speak from them when they hand out advice to you, the younger generation.
It can be tedious to listen to older people go on about their own lives while telling you what you should be doing with your life. However, it pays to slow down and tune in because the elderly population really does have a lot to offer to you.
Here are some valuable lessons you can learn from the older people in your life, from grandmas and grandpas to aunts and uncles.
Get Some Confidence
Whether it’s with your career, with your social circle or as a parent, being confident helps you perform better in every way. When you’re unsure of yourself, it’s easy to downplay your talents and gifts, but when you know that what you have to offer is valuable and that people want it, it’s much easier to feel good about yourself.
Younger people tend to have problems with confidence, which gradually comes as they get older. If you can work on your confidence right now, you’ll be strides ahead of the game when it comes to people your age. In addition, you’ll have a higher quality of life.
Devote Time To Your Family
Most older people will say that family is the most important thing and that sometimes they didn’t realize that until it was too late. Whether that meant their kids had moved on or their spouse had died, this can come with regrets.
The elderly generation really emphasizes making time to spend with both your immediate and your extended family. They are the people who will always be around and will stick with you through it all, so it pays to develop and foster good relationships with them.
People who have a lot of close family also have lower rates of depression and have more support when things get rough.
Help Others Whenever You Can
Research shows that volunteering your time and talents to help others is incredibly satisfying. The older generation often says that they got a lot out of devoting their time to others. You can choose to serve the homeless, tutor kids struggling in school, sit with shut-ins or donate clothing to a battered women’s shelter.
Whatever it is, you’ll feel good about helping others, which makes your life more worthwhile and healthy.
Set Your Personal Expectations High
Many people of the older generation will say that they held others to high expectations, but not themselves. They also caution against this. You should hold yourself to high levels of greatness so that you have the motivation and the drive to make all your dreams come true.
At the same time, being the best of the best gives you opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise have. Of course, you should be prepared to encounter obstacles and failures, but elderly people who have been there are quick to say that these can be learning opportunities and should be viewed as such instead of a dismal reminder that you aren’t as good as you want to be.
Be Charitable With What You Have
As the older generation will say, “you can’t take it with you when you go,” so why not share it while you have the chance? Even the elderly who aren’t rich and famous advocate giving what you can to those in need.
The richest people will say that giving is part of the allure of having so much money and assets. Whether you donate to your church or other organizations that help the needy, sharing what you have is satisfying and gives your life meaning, no matter how old you happen to be.
Look For Role Models To Shape Your Life
No one makes it through life without help, and many elderly people are happy to share their expertise, sharing what others had given them when they were young. Don’t be afraid to let other 
people guide and mentor you. Their life experiences can be valuable for you as you journey toward your goals.
This person might be a teacher, a coach, a boss or even a parent. Instead of ignoring what they have to say, take it to heart and evaluate how it can benefit you in your life. This will give you a leg up among your peers.
Most young people have at least one elderly person they can look to for advice. Make time for this person and learn from their experiences, which are much higher in number than your own. There is nothing wrong with acting like an older person. After all, they’ve made it through and look how wonderful they are.
