Listening Beyond Generations: Learning from an Elderly Group SALT Experience

[Prakriti]

While conducting individual SALT conversations in the community, our team found that an elderly group who regularly gathered at a local temple nearby our office. This observation gave an idea to me what if we created a space for them to share their voices collectively? After returning to the office, our team reflected and decided that conducting a Group SALT with them would be both meaningful and enriching.

Before organizing the session, we visited the temple and spoke with the group’s leader. He shared that they gather daily from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM for prayers, followed by bhajan sessions until 2:00 PM, a routine they had maintained consistently for the past 2–3 years. Encouragingly, he was ready to adjust their schedule to arrange our session. This initial step of coordination and respect for their routine helped build trust and ensured a smooth process.

On the day of the session, we began at 12:00 PM, as per their suggestion. We approached them warmly, interacting as if we were their grandchildren. This simple but intentional approach helped create a safe, friendly, and respectful environment where participants felt comfortable to open up. We started with introductions, followed by a check-in activity asking: “What was a happy moment for you this week?” Interestingly, rather than varied responses, participants shared a deeply unified perspective. For them, happiness was not limited to a week it existed every day. Coming to the temple, taking God’s name, and singing bhajans brought them continuous joy throughout the year.

We then divided participants into smaller groups and introduced the discussion topic: “What have you done for your family that makes you feel proud?” During the reflection, many expressed that although they had been gathering for years, they had never engaged in such meaningful conversations before. The opportunity to share their life experiences made them feel valued and heard. To deepen engagement, we requested them to teach us some bhajans. They happily agreed, and soon the space filled with music, energy, and joy. We joined them in singing and even dancing, creating a lively and intergenerational connection. This moment transformed the session into not just a discussion, but a shared cultural experience. After the bhajan session, we facilitated a discussion on community assets, encouraging them to reflect on their strengths and contributions. We then conducted an AER to gather feedback. Participants shared that the session was Meaningful and enjoyable, they get rare opportunity to express themselves and a space where their life stories were valued. However, they also raised an important concern. Despite having grandchildren at home, they often feel unheard. They expressed sadness that younger generations are less interested in listening to their stories, and they worry that Nepali culture and traditions are gradually fading under foreign influence. They encouraged us to help preserve and promote these cultural values.

This experience offered powerful insights as elderly individuals carry deep wisdom and life experience that is invaluable for younger generations.  In today’s Nepal, where many youths aspire to go abroad, villages are often left with only children and elderly people.  Even children are increasingly oriented toward leaving after their +2, reducing intergenerational interaction. As a result, many elderly individuals experience loneliness and a lack of recognition.  This Group SALT reminded us of the importance of creating spaces where elderly voices are heard, respected, and celebrated. It also highlighted our responsibility to bridge generational gaps and preserve the cultural richness that elders embody. This group SALT session was more than just a program it was a meaningful exchange of stories, emotions, and culture.