In our line of work as caregivers, building healthy relationships with seniors evolves naturally throughout our visits. We get to know our clients as whole persons- men and women who are not defined by the care they need, but by their life experiences and shared stories. Our conversations run the gamut from how to can peaches, dance the polka, fell hemlock, to how to run a business, survive frostbite, mourn a loss. Aging is a dynamic process to be celebrated! It leads to new capabilities, and if encouraged, to the sharing of knowledge. We will always advocate for older adults to share their knowledge and thoughts because our community thrives when all its members are valued and supported.
Here are some examples of conversation starters for families and friends of seniors to use. They work well in intergenerational settings:
If you could describe your ideal day, what would it be like?
If you could take lessons in anything, what would you learn?
Did you receive an allowance as a child? How much?
Did you save your money or spend it?
If you had 1 million dollars to spend on others, how would you use it?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone? How did you feel?
Is there a building in town that is of significance to you? Why?
Here are some suggestions of conversation starters that we can use when we are older to talk with our family and friends:
I am interested in…
I changed forever when…
I once met…
I am skilled at…
Using purpose thought-starters is another way to place value on our lives. Reflect on these prompts independently, and use the responses in future conversations:
What rituals help me feel connected? (family dinners, watering the garden, prayer...)
What gets me up in the morning? (meeting with friends, volunteering, fighting for a cause, creating…)
We suggest visiting https://seemeknowme.org.au for these and other meaningful aging tips.