Today, October 1st, is National Seniors Day! We can all think of a senior who has made an impact on our lives. They are our mentors, our leaders, our grandparents and our loved ones. They are our volunteers, our neighbours and our role models.
If you are fortunate enough to have seniors in your life, you may have discovered the art of enriching your time together by coaxing stories out of them. Indeed they have many… and sharing can rekindle their passions while endowing you with a treasure chest of meaningful memories.
With the pandemic still in our midst, how we stay safely connected continue to look different than they have in the past. However, you might wish to consider capturing some of their legacy by recording them (virtually or in-person) as they recount their days gone by – documenting their stories and capturing them for family, friends and future generations to enjoy.
In whatever fashion you choose to converse, here are some questions you might like to ask your senior loved ones:
- Where were you born?
- What are your fondest childhood memories?
- Did you have siblings? Tell me about them.
- Where did you grow up?
- What were your parents like? Did you have a good relationship with them? Did you adopt many of their values?
- What was your favourite family tradition or ritual?
- Who were your heroes as you were growing up? Who did you emulate?
- What kind of music did you enjoy in your youth?
- What was your first car? How did you pay for it?
- How did you choose your career path?
- What kind of schooling or training did you get?
- Did you enjoy your work? Were you good at it?
- What were your favourite pastimes or hobbies?
- Did you travel? Where did you go?
- What was your favourite vacation?
- How did you meet your partner?
- What kind of marriage did you have?
- Did you have children? Talk about them and your years of raising a family.
- What do you consider your greatest achievement?
- What brought you the most joy?
- What was your proudest moment?
- Do you have regrets?
- Any wisdom you care to impart?
If you know someone who is elderly, you are truly blessed. Let them know you cherish them by lending them your ear and encouraging them to share their stories. This exchange is a gift of a lifetime!
On this important day and in these potentially isolating times, we encourage everyone to make a special effort to safely reach out and connect in a meaningful way with their older loved ones, friends, and neighbours.
