The good old days- From a Modern Grandpa perspective:

The other day, I was visiting my Grandparents, and my son’s great grandparents, we were sitting outside getting ready for our usual Saturday family braai’s, when I looked at my 80-year-old Grandpa and realised something, (it was not that he is getting old, it is the exact opposite) I realised that for 80years old, he doesn’t seem anything near what I imagine when I think of a Grandpa.

He is fit for 80, I think he has bigger biceps than a few of the guy’s I dated. He dresses like a modern casual type business man (Jeans and a button up long sleeve shirt, neat as a pin). He knows how a cell phone works and probably the internet too.

He is a wise old man that taught me so many good things. He once showed me his wallet and it looked super neat in comparison to my handbag (that is always seeming to be too small to carry all the stuff I need to drag along). He told me that he believes that the condition of your wallet reflects the condition of you and your finances.

I asked him if I can interview him for my blog; below are the questions and his answers.

1. What stood out about life 20 years ago in comparison with today?

A: 20 years ago, technology was not on the same level as today, especially regarding Cell phones.

2. Was it difficult to adapt to the technology?

A: it was a process, but luckily, I learned the basics of cell phones first ex. SMSing and phone calls.

3. Was it difficult to physically do things 20 years ago, in comparison with how lazy and simple life has become with technology especially the internet and google? The general consciences are that tasks becomes easier but people become work unfit.

A: In the past I had to go in to the bank to do business, now I can do everything from my phone or the ATM, things have become easier once you learn how, but unfortunately, we lose contact with reality and with people. Today people don’t really care what goes on behind a screen if things get done. 20 years ago, we cared about people and what their role was in their position. Service was of extreme importance. The problem comes in if you don’t know what you need, you won’t need anything. Today we can do almost anything ourselves, we don’t need service with a smile anymore, people are just not interested in each other the way they were 20 years ago. We have become an isolated generation everything is done through a screen and can thus be fake or unreal.

4. What is your life theme/ lesson you learned?

A: I saw a movie that made a huge impression on me, I changed my lifestyle after seeing it. It taught me that I must rely on myself, that if you want to succeed you must learn to become self-reliant, because others struggle with their own problems and don’t necessarily know how to help you anyway. So, it is best to become independent. People give you the pills you need for what they think ails you without proper research. In other words: People use quick fixes, but don’t always get to the root of problems. Any heeling or development is a process, everyone should teach them self how to solve the problem and then you can turn to others and technology for help.

5. Do you think South Africa is ready for a female president?

A: yes, if it is not the current president’s x wife, because she talks a big game, but doesn’t have the right impact.

6. What is your favourite colour and why?

A: Green, because it is a bright but peaceful colour.

7. As the father, grandfather and great grandfather of so many Children, what parenting advice can you give to the next generation?

A: We have a responsibility to our fellow people, but also to ourselves, you should be honest with yourself and others, respect is key. You should not bully a child, but you should talk to them about right and wrong. It was never necessary to give my children hiding’s, only but twice in each’s childhood, because they knew what I stand for what my values is. You should not spoil or treat a child too softly, because they must learn from their own mistakes (The rest of the world are also not going to treat them softly) They should be allowed to try things for themselves, but when they make a mistake, you must teach them right from wrong, this is how they should learn.

8. What is your favourite Quote?

A: Treat yourself and others Justly.

From his answers, I saw that my Grandpa is a modern grandpa, he knows the basics of technology, knows current affairs, has very deep routed opinions on life and an amazing heritage that he passed down to us. What an honour to be his granddaughter. From a self-development perspective, this is a must share… go have coffee with your grandparents ASAP!!!