The top pieces of advice older generations would pass down to younger adults include being kind, and start saving from a young age, according to a study. The research revealed some of the pearls of wisdom adults under 40 have been given by their elders – with always trusting your gut feeling, and not being in too much of a rush to grow up, also ranking among the top 10.
And almost all the younger adults polled (89 per cent) revealed they have put advice they have received into action in their everyday life – with over a third (35 per cent) finding it very useful. It comes as residential care company, Care UK, has created a unique “wisdom booth” – inviting adults in their 20s to one of their care homes, Millers Grange in Witney, Oxfordshire, to receive life advice from some of its residents.
Theodosia (Theo) Howells, 97, Jean Palfreyman, 95, John Richards, 94, and 89-year-old Ron Hayes, all took to the booth to have a chat with their younger counterparts. Some of their top advice included “always keep smiling”, from John, and “never give up”, from 97-year-old Theo.
And no-nonsense Jean urged the youngsters, “don’t be put off by others saying you can’t do it”, with regards to careers advice – while Ron simply offered: “Keep yourself clean”.
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. 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. And it seems adults start young when it comes to taking advice on board, with 24 being the average age for doing so – although 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 that is who people go to the most for advice (41 per cent) – followed by dads (34 per cent) and friends (32 per cent).
The top areas people seek advice in include finance (35 per cent), health (24 per cent), and car issues (23 per cent). And it also seems the familiar phrase “the older you get, the wiser you become” is believed in by two-thirds (65 per cent) of all those who took part in the study, by OnePoll.
But when asked about generational shifts, it seems more than half (53 per cent) think pearls of wisdom have changed in the last decade. Advice like “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”, were 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 a quarter (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. But six in ten 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. 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, hosting their own advice sessions for younger generations including school children, new mums, and university students.
TOP 30 PIECES OF ADVICE GIVEN TO BRITS BY OLDER GENERATIONS:
- Be kind
- Start saving at a young age
- Pay off debts rather than spending money on luxury items
- Manners maketh man
- Try not to worry about what others think
- Teach your children the value of money
- Don't be in too much of a hurry to grow up
- Always trust your gut feeling
- Spend some, save some
- Don't make decisions when you're angry
- It's okay to need help
- Treat yourself once in a while
- Nothing worth doing comes easy
- Never lend money that you need back
- Teach your own children how to budget from an early age
- Always sleep on a big decision
- Spend quality time with your grandparents as they won't be there forever
- Plan for retirement rather than burying your head in the sand
- Travel/go on more holidays while you can afford it
- Start thinking about your retirement earlier than you need to
- Do something every day that makes you happy
- Always lose gracefully
- Spend more time with the children before they leave home
- Never go into business with family or friends
- Happy wife = happy life
- Never let the sun set on an argument with friends
- Make sure you get a job doing what you love
- Make new friends but stick by the old ones
- Don't complain about getting older – not everybody gets the privilege
- Take criticism constructively
