The idea of building community has been close to my heart for a while. Lately, there’s a growing movement around creating deeper connections – but there’s one group we often forget: our elderly loved ones.

Too often, we assume we’re “too busy” to check in or visit, without realising how much they still have to offer – and how deeply our lives can be enriched by spending time with them.

This week I watched Nonnas, a true story about an Italian man who, after losing his mother, opens a restaurant where real grandmothers cook meals they inherited through generations. The film follows four older women who felt forgotten and without purpose – until they find joy and value again through cooking and connection. It’s a heartwarming reminder: when we make space for our elders, everyone benefits.

It’s pretty self-explanatory, but this movie is a perfect reminder that we all need: the most important thing in our lives are the people who made us who we are today. Our loved ones – we often forget that in our busy workdays, and we often take them for granted. But here’s the thing: spending time with your parents or grandparents doesn’t just benefit them – it can significantly enhance your own performance and mindset in ways that ripple through your personal and professional life.

Let’s start with the performance benefits. When you sit down with your grandparents to hear their stories, you’re not just making memories – you’re building emotional resilience. Their wisdom, often hard-earned through life’s challenges, gives you perspective on your own struggles, helping you handle stress and high-pressure situations with more grace. I remember sitting with my granny often – asking her questions about her life and experiences – she would always remind me that everything would work out – I know this to be true because at the end of her life – she had no regrets, she had lived a life that she loved regardless of all her hardships. That kind of perspective can make you more focused and productive, grounding you in a sense of purpose that keeps burnout at bay.

Plus, these interactions sharpen your communication skills. Elderly loved ones often communicate at a different pace, requiring you to practice active listening and empathy – skills that directly translate to better leadership and teamwork in your professional life. I noticed how much more patient I became with others after spending afternoons with my grandfather who loved to retell stories and jokes… in great detail.

Now, let’s talk about the mindset benefits, which I find even more profound. Spending time with your parents or grandparents cultivates gratitude and shifts your perspective. Their stories remind you to appreciate the present, breaking the cycle of negativity that can creep in during a hectic day. I’ll never forget the way my granny would light up when she talked about her childhood – it made me realize how much I take for granted, and it instantly reset my mindset to one of gratitude.

More than that, these connections help you rediscover your own sense of purpose and belonging. In Nonnas, the grandmothers found purpose again through cooking for others. When you include your parents or grandparents in your life – whether it’s a quick call or a weekend visit – they feel valued, and you feel more grounded in your roots. It’s a mutual exchange that combats the isolation so many of us feel in today’s fast-paced, digital world. Instead of scrolling TikTok for hours, you’re building real, meaningful connections that leave you feeling fulfilled.

Perhaps most beautifully, being with elderly loved ones teaches us to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. They often share unfiltered wisdom and emotions, encouraging us to drop our pretences and connect on a deeper level. This has made me more self-aware and genuine in my relationships – something I bring into my coaching practice every day.

When was the last time you saw, called, or did something for your grandparents or parents? It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own lives, but at the end of our lives, it will be the memories we made with our loved ones that we’ll value most – not the time we spent scrolling on TikTok, playing video games, or working overtime.

I urge you to spend as much time with your parents and grandparents as you can before it’s too late. Not only for them – but you’ll find that your life will become richer, more connected, and more purposeful. As a coach, I see this as a cornerstone of building the kind of community I’ve always dreamed of – one that includes every generation, where wisdom is shared, and everyone feels they belong.

So here’s a gentle challenge for the week ahead:
Call your grandparent. Ask your parent to tell you a story from their youth. Cook a family recipe together. Or simply sit with them and listen. These small moments become the stories we carry. They build the kind of community we long for—rooted in love, wisdom, and belonging.

What’s one lesson your parent or grandparent taught you that still guides you today? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.