Celebrating the International Day for Older Persons – 1 October
At YEI, we believe that grandparents are more than just family – they’re the storytellers, the wisdom-keepers, and the keepers of life’s best-kept secrets (and tastiest cookie recipes!).
This 1 October, in honour of the International Day for Older Persons, we’re shining a spotlight on our extraordinary YEI Grandparents. With a twinkle in their eyes and decades of life experience, they’ve got stories to tell and pearls of wisdom to share.
So let’s tune in, listen closely, and celebrate the timeless lessons of wisdom, wit and wonder that only grandparents can offer. And who better to ask than YEI grandparents! YEI asked them for their golden rules, their quirky sayings, their life-changing tips and even their funny “back in my day” moments.
The way we see the problem, is the problem”. I used to work with students at UCT & this phrase often helped us to refocus when the going got hard or when a problem seemed insurmountable.
Marilyn Wilford
Don’t be afraid to take risks…you don’t want to live with regrets
Lyn Andrews
No one talks about the importance of respect and empathy in today’s world, and I believe it’s crucial to pass these values down to our grandchildren – Respect is not emphasized enough, and it’s up to each one of us to make that change.
Christine Tyrrell Brune
Passion is the fire that will light the path in your life. So be passionate about whatever you choose to do.
Fawzia Moodley
I would love my Granddaughter to know that each moment I spend with her is extra special. I love that she still expects me to play handball and tennis set with her, love that she sprays my perfume on her so she can ‘smell’ me and that when I drop her at school we both say be kind be nice and have a great day..together.
Justine Casserley Carroll
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Virginia Mabitsela
Respect yourself and others.
Rather die than tell a lie. Love yourself.
Florence Wareley-Esterhuizen
Don’t do what others do to fit in. Be yourself and be proud of who you are.
Beverley Ann Philander Abrahams
My grandpa taught us not to return evil with evil. Little did he know that the Millennium will teach us otherwise lol
Kwanele Ntshamba
My grandmother thought us that honesty and hygiene is Godliness; not next to Godliness She practiced what she preached & 4ever grateful to her. MHSRIP
Kwanele Ntshamba
I always teach my grandchildren – I have 2 – a boy and a girl. Never let anybody steal your joy. Remember where you came from, and when you make it in this world today, don’t forget your roots
Remona Van Graan May
Be yourself and always remember how unique you are… No need to impress or outdo one another. Try your best at whatever you like.. And enjoy every moment
Vanessa Joy Adams
I remember my grandfather telling me this when I was 9 years old. We were sitting side by side at the seaside, in deckchairs. I asked him: “Grandpa, what do I do if things ever go really wrong?” He smiled and replied: “Jenny. There will always be times when things don’t go the way you planned. That’s just part of living. But when that happens, you need to remember this. Be strong. Be brave. Even if the situation scares you”. He went on to say “Stand up. Brush yourself off. And keep going. Life’s a winding road, full of ups and downs. But you’re never alone on the journey. With your family’s love behind you and the strength already inside you, there’s absolutely nothing you can’t face.”
I’ve always remembered that, through the ups and downs of life.
Liz Armstrong
Let’s give it up for our grandparents everyone! They are the original trendsetters with hearts of gold and stories that never get old. They’re not slowing down, and neither is their impact. On this International Day of Older Persons, let’s celebrate them loudly and love them even louder.
A YEI article
