It can be easy to assume that you have nothing in common with your elderly loved one. Many people struggle to find ways to communicate and interact with senior family members, thinking that they live boring lives. But your parent or grandparent lived a long and colorful life before they got old, and there is a lifetime of experiences to share. Talking with a grandparent about their youth, their romances, or their careers can establish a stronger bond than you ever realized was possible. After all, everyone is a human being with emotions, dreams, disappointments, and fears, and conversations have a magical way of sharing the best parts of ourselves with those we love.

If you aren’t exactly sure where to begin, consider some of these ideas that are sure to jumpstart conversations. Not only will you enjoy learning more about someone so close to you, but you will help them to feel loved and cared for.

Early Conversations: What Was Your Childhood Like?

Reminiscing about one’s childhood can inspire emotions such as peace and comfort – and allow your loved one to share some of their most cherished (and likely long-hidden) memories.

Describe what your childhood home looked like.
How many brothers and sisters did you have? Did you grow up with other family members close by?
How was your relationship with your grandparents?
Did you have a best friend? What was their name, and how did you meet?
What was the favorite meal your Mom used to prepare? Did she teach you to cook?
How did you and your friends spend your time together?
What was your favorite subject in school? Do you still have the same interests?
Did you have a favorite teacher? Was there a teacher you didn’t like at all?

Conversations About Major Milestones

Significant milestone events remain in our memories for our entire lives. You can gain a valuable perspective on how your family member views their life by asking these types of questions.

What was your first job?
How did you meet your spouse?
What was the most special date you went on?
What was your proposal like?
Describe your wedding day. How were you dressed? What did your spouse wear?
What was raising children like?
What was your favorite place to vacation?

Benefitting from Their Wisdom

The elderly have learned a vast amount of lessons in their life, and their experiences can provide a rich legacy for their families. These conversation starters will allow your loved one to share their wisdom.

What’s the best advice you ever received and can pass on?
What is the best way to handle an argument with someone you love?
What’s the most difficult life lesson you have learned?
What is your advice for a happy life?

Ask for Their Advice

Asking for help, advice or recommendations can encourage your elderly loved one and make them feel needed and valued.

What are your best cooking tips?
Where should I plan to go on our next family vacation?
What’s the best advice you can give before I get married?
What’s the secret to a long and healthy life?

Conversations about the Family

There is often no better conversation starter than opening the photo album. There is a wealth of family history to explore and learn, and this is the area that most people know very little about. Each photo has an entire story, complete with a cast of characters.

What do you remember about your grandparents?
Did you visit your grandmother’s house often? What did it look like?
What do you remember about this photo? What was going on?

At A Banyan Residence, we respect every resident’s story. If you are looking for the perfect assisted living or memory care center in the Villages, we would love to meet with your family.