13 Reminiscing Themes for Seniors

Good morning, I enjoy reminiscing activities with the clients. It gives them an opportunity to reflect on their youth.

We meet once a week as a group of seniors in our community, and we have been playing cards. One of our members is visually impaired. I have found some great activities that we can all join in. What a wonderful site this is. Very much appreciated.

I LOVED READING ABOUT ALL THE DIFFERENT WAYS TO APPROACH THIS ACTIVITY THANK YOU ALL FOR THE FEEDBACK

Hi this website help me a lot to plan my activities every week.

Going to try this activities tomorrow. Lovely to see everyone join in. Thank

Another great topic is storage areas in older homes....specifically the basement and root cellars...ask...what kinds of things did you have in this area?....(attic, basement, garage)

Does anyone have any advice regards group size? I'm going to be doing weekly sessions soon and I'm thinking of limiting it to about 8 attendees, i feel like a bigger group might inhibit some people and make it difficult for everyone to speak (if they wish).

Any thoughts on this would be gratefully recieved, thanks in advance.

I like using visual aids with my reminiscing...for example I took a toolbox in with old tools that had the men reminiscing and to offside that for the ladies I had an old beauty case and filled it with curlers, perfume, jewellery etc. I also got from my mother who was a teacher her training sewing sampler and that brought out many responses from residents, staff and visitors. Currently I am working on another toolbox which I am filling with mens items eg. bowtie, cravat, cufflinks, watch, pipe etc. The visual aids help those that can't hear join in with the activity and creates many fun times and storytelling.

another great topic is the old time dances, this leads into music, fashion, dating etc

We talked the other day for over two hours about all the good things in life we did when we were younger that were "GREAT & FREE" eg picnics, church,fetes,parks,swimming ,riding a bike ,dancing,singing (the list was endless ) :)

I use Reminiscing a lot even in and during other Group or 1;1 Sessions - great conversation starter.

Also Residents like to know something that you remember too

Mothers day, fathers day, school holidays and wedding days have been successful with my reminiscing activities:)

I have had some fantastic reminiscing times.. try weddings, mothers day, fathers day and school holidays

I find all stories told by our elderly to be fascinating ,educational and inspiring.

Love reminiscing activities. But, one thing you need to be flexible. I tried the topic about Bedtime stories and mine reminded me that they didn't have power after dark and many of them didn't have electricity until the war. Not to worry, it is still a good idea as they talked about the dust storms and sleeping out on the grass amongst the mozzies. A lot of my ressies lived in little country towns or on properties in the outback.