Like most people, she wants to matter.

But in her old age, she matters less in other people's lives as the years go by.

She wants to feel her worth as she used to in her younger years, by denigrating the ways things are done by others around her now.

Reminiscent with her about events happened when you were a kid and she was still your hero. You might feel silly. But her world is diminishing and shrinking. You can help her to retain and hold on to those memories. In the meantime, remind her that she has a lot to be grateful for.

(Her complaints might just be for you to hear. If everything were good, you might forget to call.)