Sometimes, it’s the smallest thing that can trigger a beautiful memory. How often have you heard a song, or smelled a fragrance, that has triggered a memory? Probably hundreds of times! Have you then spent a few moments reminiscing?
Reminiscing can provide a beautiful walk down memory lane, and that’s why reminiscence activities are so beneficial, as they can bring moments of joy and meaning to everyday life.
The Power of Reminiscence
Memory loss, particularly with dementia, can sometimes make the present feel confusing. However, memories from the past, especially early childhood and young adult memories, often stay vivid. Reminiscence activities tap into these memories, encouraging seniors to share their experiences and connect to familiar, comforting moments.
Simple Reminiscence Activities to Try
Reminiscing doesn’t have to be complex. Sometimes, as I mentioned above, it’s the simple things that can bring back the richest memories. Here are a few activities for you to try.
Memory Boxes
Memory boxes are small, personal treasure chests filled with items that hold meaning. Think of it as a collection of souvenirs from the person’s life.
To create one, choose a few items that are meaningful to them. What do they treasure? Do they have special photos, a piece of jewelry, a favorite keepsake, a postcard, a childhood toy? You will know what they treasure. Each item should be something they recognize or feel connected to.
Put them in the box and then let them open it up. Having tangible items to hold and touch is powerful. It makes their memories feel real, giving them comfort. See if they will share stories about each item, which can turn this game into a happy story time event.
Photo Albums and Slideshows
How much fun do you have looking through old photo albums? There can be a lot of laughs and a lot of oh-no too! However, for most of us, looking through old photo albums is a lovely way to remember joyous events and loved ones.
Photos are like little windows into the past! Each one reminds us of its story. That’s why looking through photo albums or making a slideshow is a great reminiscing activity.
Photos capture so much more than just faces. They remind us of feelings, places, and times gone by. They’re also great conversation starters, allowing family members to learn more about each other’s past. They also help the person with memory loss remember some of their life’s story too.
Music and Old Songs
Music has a unique ability to reach deep into our memory. It may have been a shared song with a special person, or a song that reminds us of our younger years. Listening to favorite tunes can bring back specific memories and emotions that other activities can’t quite touch.
To bring memories to life using music, the easiest way is to create a playlist of songs from a time they remember well, like their teenage years or early adulthood. You could also play popular tunes from that era to see if it sparks any memories too!
Music stirs our emotions, and it often makes us want to sing or hum along with it.
The person who has memory loss may start singing or tapping their foot, which can make them feel involved and connected to their memories and emotions, and that’s a good sign!
Smell-Based Reminiscing
Scents have a way of taking us back to specific moments. A whiff of baked cookies might take you back to your mother’s kitchen as a child, or the smell of a rose-scented cologne might remind you of your Grandmother’s hug. There are so many smells and so many memories with each one of them!
Scents are closely linked to the emotional memory center of our brain, which is why a familiar smell can bring back so many powerful memories. For many seniors or people with memory loss, it can be comforting and soothing to connect to these sensory memories.
To see what memories you can spark, try all sorts of scents. Find scents that might be familiar, like vanilla, lavender, rose, etc. You can use so many things for this, but one good way to try is to use different essential oils, as there are so many varieties. Herbs and spices are also good!
Reminiscence activities are a beautiful way to remember the past while creating happy times in the present. They’re a gentle reminder that each person has a lifetime of experiences and memories, even if some of the details are a little hazy. If you remember better than they do, don’t correct them, just go along with it and let them tell their ‘new’ story.
So, get a few reminiscence activities organized, get comfortable and let the stories begin! Sharing reminiscence activities with those who need you, will add beautiful memories to your life too.
