Today we spent an hour after lunch reminiscing on our past. We learned quite a few interesting facts about one another.
* Harriette and Roland have been married for 68 years, and have no children together.
* Claire was once a nurse, on her free time she enjoyed exercising and spending quality time with her family.
*Ann was a kindergarten teacher who loves to dance and sing. She has one son, Curt who means the world to her.
*Allen retired from the U.S Navy, one of his favorite things to do was travel the world and spend time with his wife.
Reminiscing is a great way for all seniors, especially those affected by Alzheimer’s disease, to recall memories from their distant past. You can reminisce in an informal way through storytelling, questions and answers or triggering the story by starting it yourself and letting your senior loved one finish it in whatever way he or she remembers it. Whether you reminisce in a very casual way or in a more formal way to retain the memories for the future, the effects can be very beneficial for your senior. Often times, elders feel isolated from their identity as they age. Being able to relive and relate their life stories can give them a sense of purpose and self-worth. It can help them relieve boredom and also gain a feeling of companionship with the person that is interested enough in them to listen to their life stories.