Do you remember a time when cell phones didn’t exist and the television looked like a piece of furniture with rabbit ears? Do you remember a time when telephones and televisions were a luxury that most families did not even own? Our elderly family members sure do! When was the last time you set down your smartphone and asked them about life without a phone? Have you encored your children to do so?

The eldest members of our families are libraries of untold stories just waiting to be shared. As they begin to age you will find that physical activities are much more challenging for them, and though they may forget what happened a few months ago, they often will clearly remember stories form their childhood, it’s such an act of love and compassion to genuinely show interest and engage them in conversations about “the good old days”.

Stories of the family and relatives untold are like volumes of treasure that can be unlocked through their lips. Watch as their eyes soften, and they smile in memory as they are mentally transported back to the summer days on the farm with the cousins, or to the tiny schoolhouse that they walked to each day with their five siblings. Help your children to engage their grandparents were children. Encourage their questions by telling them “You know who would be able to tell you about it? Your Grandmother. Let’s go and ask her”.

Building this bridge between the generations is beneficial to everybody. The stories about family and the world come alive when they are “taught” in anecdote and firsthand accounts. Maybe your loved ones have keepsakes from those days that they would love to share. Watch the world of make believe suddenly turn to reality as your children discover that their history books are living, breathing, loving beings.

There are lots of great resources online to help you come up with questions to ask to get the conversation started. Be genuinely interested, give them your complete attention and respect, and get ready to be transported to a whole new world that you never dreamed existed. Who needs Hollywood? You have a loving story right there beside you!

You can also be certain that the caregivers with Nutmeg Home Assistance would love to hear their stories! In-home care can truly improve the quality of life for your loved ones.