Topic 15 Life, Ageing and Death

Why discuss life, ageing and death with teenagers?

Although teenagers are still far from ageing and dying, they will share the responsibility of caring for their elderly parents or relatives in the future. Therefore, teenagers should learn about the needs and difficulties of older people, the needs of caregivers, how to communicate with them, etc., to help them achieve a state of active and happy ageing. Through cross-generational activities, young people can learn to share with older people, practise their communication skills, and help change prejudices against the elderly. On the other hand, through interaction with young people, older people also have the opportunity to redefine themselves and embrace a positive attitude as they enter their old age. Life and death education guides young people to explore the meaning of life from death, helps them overcome possible fear and anxiety of death, and empowers them to have control over their lives and live a meaningful life.

Main concepts

Let teenagers understand that ageing is a crucial stage in life, and pay more attention to and establish connections with the older people in the families and the community. Young people should understand the needs of older people and learn communication skills with them. By developing these skills and confidence, they can help their loved ones adapt to challenges caused by ageing and assist in caring for older adults. Teachers can provide students and more senior people opportunities to establish connections by organising intergenerational activities such as visits or interviews.
By discussing with teenagers the nature, concepts, values and associated ideas of life and death, we can help them understand these concepts and embrace the importance of life and death, know that they may experience grief when facing the death of relatives and friends, and learn ways to adjust these emotions. Ultimately, it allows young people to develop the ability to accept and cope with the anxiety and fear of death and see "death" as their "teacher" to understand the meaning of life.
Encourage teenagers to ponder the meaning of life. Understand how to pursue purpose and cultivate beliefs and actions by understanding yourself and establishing your values. By practising an optimistic attitude towards life, you can cherish and live your own life.
Teachers can offer activities, games and forms (visits, volunteer services, board games, etc.) to help students reflect on the topics.

Keywords

#Ageing Society #Intergenerational Integration #Life and Death Education

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