A young child spotting a teacher at the store

3 Signs Your Parents May Be Feeling Lonely (And What You Can Do)

As children, it's easy to view our parents and teachers as mere functions—people who exist solely to care for or educate us. This article begins with a humorous, yet profound, reflection on the moment of realization: adults, even those central to our lives, exist independently of us, with their own preferences and struggles. The piece argues that this childhood bias often persists, preventing us from recognizing that our aging parents are simply people—and therefore vulnerable to common human afflictions, particularly loneliness and depression.
Painting "Mother and Child" by Eunice Pinney (1815)

The Perfect Gift

The author of this article struggles to find the right birthday gift for her aging mother, who has few needs and limited mobility. While flowers and gift cards seem practical, the mother reveals that what she truly desires is time and connection with loved ones. This realization leads the author to reflect on the value of companionship, highlighting Easy Tidings as a way to provide meaningful connection when physical presence is difficult.
From Harper's Weekly, published Jan 14, 1860

On Their Own Terms

This article explores how older adults often shield their emotional struggles due to unique fears, like loss of identity. It argues that building trust and easing loneliness requires setting aside our own assumptions and listening carefully to what they are willing to discuss, meeting them on their own terms.