Young people grappling with life’s big decisions were invited to a care home to hear 'pearls of wisdom' dispensed by the older generation.

Residents of Millers Grange care home in Witney have been sharing titbits of advice in an 'advice booth' which included “pull your socks up” from 94-year-old John Richards.

People in their 20s were invited to hear the tips including “avoiding trouble if you can help it” and “keeping yourself to yourself” – cited as being the two main ingredients to living a happy life.

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 tip passed on by 89-year-old Ron Hayes, and Theodosia (Theo) Howells, 97, reminded them to “always keep smiling”.

Alison Parry, a Home Manager at Care UK, which runs the home, 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!”

It comes as research, commissioned by Care UK, reveals the top three pearls of wisdom handed down by parents and grandparents are be kind, start saving from a young age and don’t be in too much of a hurry to grow up.

Ms Parry added: “We had a wonderful time welcoming in the younger generation for an afternoon of advice sharing.

Oxford Mail:

“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.

“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!”

According to the Care UK study, as many as 89 per cent of young people have put advice they’ve been given into action with 35 per cent finding it very useful.

Twenty four 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.

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Finance, health and car issues  are the top areas that people seek advice in.

 

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 to not 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

 

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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