As people age, they often wonder what will happen to them and their family. Children grow up and have families of their own. Some people focus all their energy on their career. Most people have retirement plans. However, plans can change, elderly people get sick, and children grow up and move on.

Most seniors fear to be alone. With an aging population, demographic trends evolving and less career choices available out there for the younger generation, families are dispersing and travelling to new cities and often away from their parents and to pursue different career opportunities.

Sonia Molina is the average baby boomer. Her peers are grandparents; her husband’s career choices led her to move to Calgary 12 years ago, far from family and friends in Montreal. She had to follow her husband’s lead to a new city and new life. She said at first the distance was hard for her. She had one foot in Calgary and one foot in Montreal. She couldn’t seem to develop roots in the new city. She missed her close friends and family.

Today, she has accepted her new life in Calgary. She has a stable and meaningful connection with family and friends from back home. She keeps herself busy with new projects and has finally committed to her life in a new city and has created friendships. She provides some advice to maintain the bond between family members, especially from the adult children, who she raised and are busy with their own young families.

“A nurturing relationship is key. The one who has moved away from family and friends is the one who has to put more effort into the relationship. People back home are always so busy and consumed with their young children, careers and life that they are not always considerate of an aging parent or family member who has moved away. People should not expect or wait for their family members to call. Do not blame them for their lack of consideration or for your loneliness,” Molina says.

Moreover, technology is also important for maintaining bonds with younger family members. Seniors should get into the habit of using Facebook, FaceTime, Skype and other technological applications to keep the conversation and bond going. Grandchildren can very well identify and maintain a relationship with a senior even though they do not see them more than once or twice a year.

Holidays are hard for those living distantly from family, especially from one’s children. Sometimes travel plans cannot be arranged due to costs or timing and even health issues. Most family members say that they will keep in touch. Children and grandchildren are often obliged to keep in touch with their loved ones, or parents because of the child-parent relationship.

As John Lennon once said; “Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.” Seniors should keep busy with new projects. It is important to not hold grudges when younger family members are distant or busy. Seniors should pick up the phone and call. In the end, both parties will be happier that they still keep in contact and the relationship will continue to be maintained.