Experiment

Sometimes we all fall into the trap of parenting our parent. It is stressful and unproductive for all involved. In order to see how it feels to age, try this experiment.
Put some marbles in your shoes and walk around the grocery store. Put some cotton in your ears and nose and experience the feeling of not being able to hear or smell like you once could. Put on some rubber gloves and tape a few fingers together. Try and dial a phone or open the OJ carton and pour a glass and see how frustrating it feels to not be able to do everyday things that used to be so easy.
Hopefully, this experiment will help you have an insight to what your parents may be feeling. You should be able to identify with the loss of control going on in their bodies: a loss of hearing, mobility, and even a feeling of a loss of self worth.
It is so powerful when you realize that you can help empower your mom or dad. Not only will it make them feel better, but your relationship will improve as well. Take the time to ask them their opinion. I'm sure they have some thoughts on the economy! Ask what they did during the Great Depression...maybe we can learn some money saving tips! Ask them child rearing questions or recipe questions. Ask their opinion on a problem you are having at work. It will make your parent feel like they still have something to offer.
Elder care can be tough!
Try not to be the parent to your parent but rather a helping daughter or son who only wants to see their mom or dad feel respected!