Life is a constant flow of change, and one of the most significant transformations a person may experience is watching their parents grow older. As time passes, roles shift, conversations evolve, and new challenges emerge. This natural life transition brings a mix of emotions—love, concern, and sometimes frustration—that can leave individuals unsure of how to navigate these changes. In this session, participants will explore how to approach this phase with compassion, empathy, and practicality. They will learn the importance of active listening to understand the stories and experiences that have shaped their parents’ lives.
Participants will also explore strategies for building bridges across generations and creating an environment of mutual respect and appreciation. Ultimately, this session aims to provide tools to support individuals and their parents as they navigate the evolving dynamics of aging with grace and understanding.
In this session, participants will:
- Understand the aging process: Learn about the physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that come with aging
- Learn effective communication strategies: Discover how to communicate clearly and compassionately with aging parents
- Develop skills to navigate challenging conversations: Gain techniques for handling sensitive topics with care and respect
- Explore ways to build empathy and connection: Learn how to foster deeper understanding and strengthen your relationship
- Develop a mindset that embraces the natural changes in the parent-child relationship: Adapt to evolving roles with compassion and flexibility
Presenter: Lorene Lacey, B.S.W., M.Ed.; Mental Health Clinician, Workplace Options
MIT is committed to providing an environment that is accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities. If you need a disability-related accommodation for this event, please email worklife@mit.edu.