It’s one of those universal truths, isn’t it?

The older generation has this knack for dishing out advice, wisdom, and life lessons by the bucket load.

And let’s be honest, we often nod politely and take it on board because, well, they’ve been around the block a few more times than us.

But here’s a little secret: sometimes, just sometimes, they don’t always practice what they preach. Shocking, right?

They tell us one thing with all the conviction in the world, but when you look a bit closer, you’ll notice they aren’t exactly living by their own words.

No major drama here. Just a niggling thought that maybe what they say and what they do don’t exactly line up.

Now, don’t get me wrong. This isn’t about pointing fingers or playing the blame game.

It’s more about unmasking those well-intentioned but often elusive life lessons that seem to slip through the cracks of their own daily routines.

Let me take you through a list of 8 things that older folks love to preach about—yet often forget to practice themselves.

Buckle up for a bit of lighthearted irony, my friends.

1) Being financially responsible

It’s the classic pearl of wisdom, isn’t it?

“Save for a rainy day,” they tell us. “Don’t spend what you don’t have,” they advise. They’re not wrong, of course.

Financial responsibility is crucial. It’s a lesson we’ve all heard time and time again.

But here’s the kicker: they don’t always stick to it themselves.

Ever notice how often they splurge on things they don’t necessarily need? Or how they succumb to the allure of a shiny new gadget despite having a perfectly functional one at home already?

We’re not talking about massive financial blunders here. But those little slips between what’s preached and what’s practiced can be quite revealing.

Don’t be too hard on them though. We all have our moments of weakness, right?

It’s just interesting to note that the older folks aren’t immune to it either, despite their words to the contrary.

2) Limiting screen time

Ah, this one’s a classic.

“Too much screen time is bad for you,” they chide. “Go outside, read a book, socialize,” they insist. Wise words, no doubt.

But here’s a funny thing I noticed with my own grandpa.

He would often lecture me about the evils of spending too much time glued to my phone or laptop.

But then, there he’d be, every evening without fail, binge-watching his favorite old shows on his tablet for hours on end.

I remember one particular day when he had spent practically the entire afternoon engrossed in a marathon of his favorite detective series.

And yet, later that same evening, he was back with his usual advice about limiting my screen time!

It’s quite amusing really. A case of do as I say, not as I do perhaps?

3) Embracing change

There’s a famous quote by George Bernard Shaw, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

How often have we heard the older generation echo similar sentiments? They tell us to be adaptable, to not fear change but embrace it.

But let’s be honest here. How keen are they really on embracing change themselves?

Take technology for example. They advise us to keep up with the times, to adapt to new technologies and tools.

But when it comes down to it, many are reluctant to move on from their familiar, comfortable routines.

They still prefer their old flip phones over smartphones, or writing checks instead of online banking.

Again, there’s no judgment here. Change can be daunting, especially when you’ve spent a lifetime doing things a certain way.

It’s just another one of those interesting observations about the gap between preaching and practicing.

4) Taking care of health

“Health is wealth,” they say. “Exercise regularly, eat well, get enough sleep,” they tell us.

And we nod in agreement because it’s true. Taking care of our health is important.

But did you know that according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 21% of adults meet the Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity?

And guess what? A good chunk of this group includes our beloved older folks.

They tell us to hit the gym, to go for a jog or a bike ride, but when it comes to their own routines, they might not be as diligent.

Now, there’s no denying that age can make it harder to maintain an active lifestyle.

But it’s still a bit ironic when the same person who was encouraging you to join a yoga class is seen lounging in their favorite armchair more often than not.

5) Being open-minded

We’ve all heard it before.

“Keep an open mind. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions.”

It’s sound advice, really. An open mind can broaden horizons, foster understanding and promote peace.

But how often do you find the older generation stubbornly sticking to their views, resistant to any opinion that challenges their own?

Let’s take music, for instance. They might not understand our love for hip-hop or electronic dance music, and instead of trying to appreciate it, they might dismiss it as ‘noise’.

When it comes to being open-minded, it seems like there’s a bit of a disconnect between the advice given and the action taken. But hey, we’re all human, right? It’s just another amusing contradiction in our everyday lives.

6) Living in the present

“Live in the present moment. Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future,” they often tell us. It’s a mantra many of us strive to live by.

But do the older folks apply this to their own lives?

Think about it. How many times have you heard them reminiscing about the ‘good old days’? Or worrying about what the future holds?

Living in the present can be tough, especially when your past is filled with memories and your future is uncertain.

But it’s a bit ironic, isn’t it? Preaching about the importance of living in the present, while often being caught in a time warp themselves.

Just another gentle reminder that we’re all works in progress, trying to navigate this complex web of life as best as we can.

7) Taking time for self-care

“Take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup,” they counsel us. And we agree, self-care is important. It’s crucial to our mental and physical well-being.

But do they always follow this advice themselves?

Have you noticed how they often prioritize others over themselves? How they neglect their own needs to take care of their loved ones?

Sure, it comes from a place of love and selflessness. But it also goes against the very principle of self-care they often preach about.

I mean, isn’t it a bit contradictory to tell us to prioritize self-care while rarely taking the time for it themselves?

It’s just another interesting observation about the difference between what’s said and what’s done. But then again, who are we to judge?

We’re all just trying to do our best in this thing called life.

8) Letting go of grudges

“Life is too short to hold grudges,” they tell us. “Forgive and forget,” they suggest. We nod in agreement because we understand the wisdom in these words.

But how often do they follow this advice themselves?

Have you ever witnessed them holding onto a grudge from years ago, refusing to let go of past hurts or disagreements?

It’s not uncommon to see them carrying these emotional burdens for years, even decades. And yet, they’re the same people who advise us to let go and move on.

It’s a bit paradoxical, isn’t it? Preaching about forgiveness, yet struggling to do so themselves.

But let’s not be too hard on them. After all, we’re all human and letting go is easier said than done.

It’s just another one of those life lessons that’s easier to teach than to practice.

Final thoughts

We’ve had a lighthearted look at some of the things older folks love to preach about, but don’t always follow themselves.

But let’s not forget, they’re human just like us.

These contradictions don’t diminish their wisdom or the value in their words.

It just goes to show that we’re all trying to navigate this complex journey called life as best as we can.

And while it’s amusing to spot these inconsistencies, it’s also an opportunity for self-reflection.

Are there aspects in our lives where we don’t practice what we preach? Are there areas where our actions don’t align with our words?

Reflecting on these questions can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and inspire personal growth.

So, let’s embrace this journey with all its quirks and contradictions.

Let’s continue seeking wisdom, learning from our elders, and most importantly, striving to align our actions with our words.

After all, as the great Albert Einstein once said, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means.” And that’s something we can all strive towards, regardless of how old we are.