Older Women at Home

A reader asked me for my thoughts on an article about the value of ladies staying at home even after their children are grown. In our utilitarian society, anyone who is not bringing in an income is considered to be wasting time. Homemaking is not regarded as having any value. However, we need to look at the things that are beyond price. An older lady who is able to be at home has the spare time to do volunteer work, to aid the poor, to advise younger women, to help with grandchildren, and maintain a home that is a refuge for the extended family.

My grandmother did all those things in her old age; she devoted herself to making clothes for us, to knitting sweaters and caps for family and for charity. She joined Catholic Daughters and worked very hard for the various causes supported by that organization. She also was available for long chats, in which she shared family history and anecdotes from her life. My other grandmother did the same. Most of all, older ladies often have more time to pray, to assist at Mass, and to become involved in church activities.

It is also wonderful for a woman who has a vocation as a nurse, a doctor, a teacher, a writer, an artist, a counselor, taking up such work on a deeper level once the children are gone. Other older women may enjoy working in a department store or even starting their own shop or a business of some kind. It must likewise be remembered that many older women are compelled by necessity to work outside the home, sometimes even past the age of retirement, whether they want to or not.

The important thing for a mature lady, whether she is at home or working in the world, is to conduct herself with the dignity and wisdom gleaned from her life experience. It is vital for the older generation to give a good example to the young, even if does not seem to be appreciated. Too often now we see retired people indulging in a second adolescence.

Some older ladies have boundless energy. My mom is almost seventy but she still works, maintains an immaculate home, cooks delicious meals, helps us with our homes and families, paints, and is always there when we need to talk. I do not know how she does it. Share