As our loved ones age, they often have more time on their hands. Since we can never get back our time, caregivers can help by taking advantage of the time granted to our elders. One of the best ways to use time is by engaging elders in stimulating discussions with friends and family on current and past events. Keeping our loved ones’ minds sharp is essential to the aging process.
Topics of Consideration
Research suggests that the topics most beneficial to our elderly loved ones should lean toward helping them reminisce about the good times they’ve had. Positive memories and positive storytelling are great discussion topics and can be mentally stimulating. Sharing memories and stories is also how younger family members can learn about elderly family members. It seems generations are losing connections, but sitting at the feet of our elders is a beautiful way to share familiar interests or experiences and form bonds that would otherwise not exist! What are meaningful topics in which caregivers can engage our loved ones? Meaningful topics include family ties, occupations, hobbies, friendships, school days, travel, cooking, retirement, the desire to age in place, and lessons learned about life.
Memory and Storytelling
The connection between memory and storytelling lies in helping our elderly delay cognitive decline. Storytelling is not just an art; it’s a science that has shown that it can trigger memories.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, as we go through life, we can learn many valuable lessons from sitting at the feet of our elders. The role of every caregiver is to engage elderly loved ones when able. They have many life lessons to help us. Please take the opportunity to pass on their wisdom to the next generation using memories and storytelling. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager, CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She has released her newest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers.