Grandparents Need to Speak—and Be Heard—Too

In many families, grandparents are the pillars: caregivers, advisors, protectors. But few people stop to ask how they’re really doing. It’s often assumed they’re fine—that they’ve “lived enough,” that they don’t need to talk because they’re “wise” or “strong.”

But grandparents feel fear, sadness, frustration, loneliness too.

They need to be heard, just like anyone else.

Growing older doesn’t mean no longer needing emotional support.

The silence imposed by the role

Many grandparents have learned to stay quiet. Not to share their worries so they don’t “burden” their children. Not to show sadness so they don’t appear weak. To stay in the background, feeling like they no longer play an active role. But inside, they may be dealing with grief, frustration, feelings of uselessness, or even anxiety.

The problem is, when no one listens actively, many of their emotions go unseen. And that invisibility not only isolates them—it can worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychosomatic illness.

Behind a polite smile or a casual “I’m fine,” there may be so much more.

Listening is an act of love and dignity

Listening to an older adult isn’t just a respectful gesture—it’s an emotional necessity. We all need to feel that our story matters, that our emotions have space, that what we’re experiencing has value. Grandparents are no exception.

Having someone to talk to, to open up with, to share thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment, can make a profound difference in their quality of life. Therapy is for them too. It’s a space where they can be the protagonists of their story, where they can speak freely—and reconnect with their sense of worth.

If you have a grandparent or older loved one, ask them real questions. Listen with presence. Validate their feelings.

And if you are the one who needs that space to speak, remember:

You are not alone. Your story deserves to be heard. Your voice still matters.