Many people look forward to winter and the season's first snowfall. Senior adults often have many happy memories associated with the "big" winter snows of their childhood. Plan some reminiscing activities related to wintertime, and you're ... Read more
Archives for 2006
NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION
Resolutions, songs, confetti, parties, noise, and a little bubbly - soon it will be time to usher in a new year. A familiar expression of the season is "Ring out the old, ring in the new" from poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Ring a bell and ask ... Read more
MUSIC IN FAMILY LIFE
Today's generation of older adults grew up with an appreciation for family and home, neighbors and community. Traditions and rituals were important in family life. For instance, family members shared an evening meal at the end of each day. ... Read more
FARM LIFE
The growing season is winding down, and soon it will be time to celebrate the bountiful harvest of autumn. The fall season often evokes memories of life on the family farm. Many senior adults who grew up in the early 20th century come from ... Read more
GRANDPARENTS
Older adults have fulfilled many roles in life. Among the most cherished is that of grandparent. Grandparents are important members of our families and communities. They provide extended family support and encouragement and a link to family ... Read more
FAIR TIME MEMORIES
The lazy, hazy days of summer are here. If you ask your group members to name favorite summer activities as a child, many would mention going to the county or state fair with their family. Fairgoers of all ages flock to this annual event to ... Read more
MOM’S HOME COOKING
Fourth of July picnics, backyard barbecues, and family reunions - summer is here! Sharing food with family and friends often evokes memories of Mom's home cooking. Ask your group to talk about the meaning of the phrase, "Just like Mom used ... Read more
TRAIN TRAVEL
Warm weather and the sound of a distant train whistle will often evoke memories of America's past. Train travel was the nation's preferred means of transportation in the early 20th century. As teens and young adults in the 1930s and 1940s, ... Read more
OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
May is Older Americans Month, a time to honor and appreciate a unique season of life. Many of us have benefited from the wisdom and experience of older adults. Those generations born before 1945 lived through some unique life experiences: ... Read more
LAUGHING TOGETHER
Snicker, chuckle, giggle, chortle, hoot, and cackle - have you had a good laugh today? Laughter and humor appeal to people of all ages. Older adults, in particular, can attest to the value of a good sense of humor. It helps to keep life in ... Read more
PETS
If you listen carefully to stories and tales told by older adults, many involve a beloved member - the family pet! The unconditional love and affection of a four-legged friend is powerful. Millions of American households own at least one ... Read more
FAMILY FOLKLORE – February Activity Ideas
Dad's fishing stories, Mom's special Thanksgiving recipes, Aunt Jane's memory quilts, Uncle Bob's silly songs, Grandma's home cures, Great-grandmother's heirloom jewelry. What kinds of folklore traditions are unique to your family? Family ... Read more
