ight words, they can offer advice like no one else. Third, they can teach us so much. Cooking skills and measured speech are just…the most grateful listeners; if you choose the right words, they can offer advice like no one else. Third, they can teach us so much. Cooking skills and measured speech are just the tip of the iceberg. The elderly help us become keepers of family, everyday, and cultural traditions. They teach us the rare quality of patience.