Sometimes, all it takes is reflecting on the past to give a person a better sense of the future, and seniors who look back on fond memories can enjoy many amazing benefits. Kitchener, ON, at-home care experts discuss a few of these advantages.
1. Enjoy a Good Laugh
Many people believe a good belly laugh a day helps prevent depression, and seniors who choose to focus on funny memories are less likely to experience negative emotions. Help your loved one recall some of the funniest events in his or her life. From falling in the pond while fishing to the time the grandkids put on a silly play, recalling a humorous event can boost your loved one’s mood.
2. Share a Serious Lesson
The decision to look back on the past often reveals life lessons others can use. For example, your loved one may look back fondly upon his or her children’s youth and teach his or her family the importance of living in the moment. By sharing the things he or she has learned, your loved one can gain an understanding of the important role he or she plays in the family.
3. Rediscover Old Talents
Looking back on fond memories can revive interests seniors once thought they had left in the past. Perhaps your loved one now wants to join a senior dancing group, or he or she may want to dust off the old trombone. Whatever your loved one’s favorite memory is, there is likely still a way to utilize his or her talent.
4. Socialize with Family
The generation gap quickly diminishes when seniors regale the family with tales of their past. Everyone loves hearing about what life was like before they were born, and your loved one can benefit from knowing the rest of the family cares about his or her history. Whether your loved one tells stories over dinner or records them on video, sharing memories from the past is a great way to strengthen the bond with his or her family.
Sharing old memories with family can provide a major boost to your loved one’s emotional wellbeing, and it’s important for him or her to have plenty of social stimulation during the times you’re not available. At KW Home Care Assistance, our caregivers make wonderful social companions, and they are also trained in specialized Parkinson’s, stroke, and Alzheimer’s home care Kitchener, ON, seniors can count on. For more information and to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call (519) 954-2111 today.