A unique advice booth has been created – dispensing pearls of wisdom for adults under 40 grappling with life’s decisions.
They were invited to hear the titbits of advice from older generations – including “always keep smiling” from 94-year-old John Richards.
While Jean Palfreyman, 95, was very matter of fact when it came to career advice, saying “don’t be put off by others saying you can’t do it”.
“Keeping yourself clean” was another solid bit of advice passed on by 89-year-old Ron Hayes, and Theodosia (Theo) Howells, 97, reminded them to “never give up”.
It comes as research, commissioned by Care UK, revealed pearls of wisdom handed down by parents and grandparents – including being kind, start saving from a young age and don’t be in too much of a hurry to grow up.
Alison Parry, a home manager at Care UK, said: “Older people have so much to offer the younger generations, and it’s lovely to know they are willing to listen.
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“Each day we hear the pearls of wisdom that residents have to share – I’ve learnt so much from them and I know the rest of the team have too!”
Other pearls of wisdom shared by the insightful care home residents of Millers Grange included “avoiding trouble if you can help it” and “keeping yourself to yourself” – cited as being the two main ingredients to living a happy life.
According to the study, as many as 89 per cent have put advice they’ve been given into action throughout their everyday life with 35 per cent finding it very useful.
Starting young, 24 is the average age at which those polled began to take certain advice onboard, but 52 per cent wish they had listened to it more during their youthful years.
What’s more, 88 per cent are grateful for what they’ve been told by their elders, and 56 per cent will always rely on them for advice, regardless of how old they are.
Mum evidently does know best, as they are who people go to the most for advice (41 per cent), followed by dads (34 per cent) and friends (32 per cent).
Finance (35 per cent), health (24 per cent) and car issues (23 per cent) are the top areas that people seek advice in.
And it also seems the familiar phrase ‘the older you get, the wiser you become’ is believed in by 65 per cent of all those who took the OnePoll study.
When asked about generational shifts, it seems 53 per cent think pearls of wisdom have changed in the last decade.
With ‘let the man pay on the first date’, ‘sitting too close to the TV is bad for your eyesight’ and ‘don’t leave the house with wet hair’ voted as the most ‘old fashioned’.
Manners (38 per cent), money management (29 per cent) and attitudes to work (29 per cent) are what people had to thank their elders for the most.
And 57 per cent notice they are speaking and acting more like their elders the older they get.
Of those who have children, 41 per cent have passed down advice they have been given, with 26 per cent planning to do this when their kids are old enough to listen.
Nearly half (48 per cent) have done it because they agree with what they were told while a further 48 per cent said it has helped them in their everyday life.
Despite this, six in 10 plan on making up their own ‘pearls of wisdom’ to pass down to their little ones.
Alison Parry added: “We had a wonderful time welcoming in the younger generation for an afternoon of advice sharing.
“Jean, Theo, John and Ron have lots of words of wisdom to share – some good, some bad, and some hilarious – but nonetheless helpful for those navigating young adulthood.
“Here at Care UK, playing an active role in the community and ensuring that residents continue to feel a sense of purpose in later life is incredibly important to us.
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“Our wisdom booth initiative is a fantastic way to make new connections and offer residents an opportunity to help others, and we look forward to seeing where it takes us next!”
Care UK homes across the country will also be taking part in the Wisdom Booth project – www.careuk.com/wisdom-booths – hosting their own advice sessions for younger generations including school children, new mums and university students.
1. Be kind
2. Start saving at a young age
3. Pay off debts rather than spending money on luxury items
4. Manners maketh man
5. Try to not worry about what others think
6. Teach your children the value of money
7. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to grow up
8. Always trust your gut feeling
9. Spend some, save some
10. Don’t make decisions when you’re angry
11. It’s okay to need help
12. Treat yourself once in a while
13. Nothing worth doing comes easy
14. Never lend money that you need back
15. Teach your own children how to budget from an early age
16. Always sleep on a big decision
17. Spend quality time with your grandparents as they won’t be there forever
18. Plan for retirement rather than burying your head in the sand
19. Travel / go on more holidays while you can afford it
20. Start thinking about your retirement earlier than you need to
21. Do something every day that makes you happy
22. Always lose gracefully
23. Spend more time with the children before they leave home
24. Never go into business with family or friends
25. Happy wife = happy life
26. Never let the sun set on an argument with friends
27. Make sure you get a job doing what you love
28. Make new friends but stick by the old ones
29. Don’t complain about getting older: not everybody gets the privilege
30. Take criticism constructively
