Matters of old age

Today the lunch table discussions led to talks about why the aging parents act so indifferent. One of my friend was so upset after she is back from vacation to her native country. She went their after several years for a brief vacation and her mother made her feel very bad by being unpredictable and at times by being naggy. 

team at the table felt it could be a cry for attention like the kids do. Or it could be feeling of being insignificant etc etc.

I have observed this in my surroundings and find itvery intriguing. How can we be sane and peaceful as we grow older. I have seen that parents who grow and evolve along with their children have a high chance of being in sync with them which will reduce conflicts and increase mutual understanding and happiness.. For such families the shift in the thought process does not seem sudden or different.