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
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
HOBBIES
A hobbyist likes to engage in an activity for fun as opposed to profit. But some people have such a gift and passion for their hobby that they take it to a new level. Ask your group: How do amateur hobbyists turn into professionals? Do you ... Read more
GIFT-GIVING SEASON
Webster's defines the word gift as something given voluntarily and without compensation. Set a brightly wrapped Christmas gift on a table for your group to view. Ask: What makes a wrapped present a true gift? Did they mention that true ... Read more
FIFTIES REVISITED
Have you noticed today's nostalgic craze for the 1950s? Ask your participants what images come to mind when they think of the years 1950-1959. Did they name tail-finned cars, interstate highways, crew cuts, hula hoops, PTA, poodle skirts, ... Read more
GERMAN OKTOBERFEST
The end of summer is near and autumn is right around the corner. There is a bounty of activities to enjoy in the beauty of nature. Try this seasonal exercise: Brainstorm a list of outdoor fall activities with your group (e.g., enjoy a ... Read more
FDR AND HIS TIMES
The year is 1932. America is in the throes of the Great Depression. Bank failures, farm and home foreclosures, and a host of unemployed people blanket much of the country. Citizens are looking for a new leader to deal with the economic ... Read more
FAMILY REUNION FUN
Hot lazy days, watermelon, swimming holes, and family reunions-these are some of the memories that summer evokes for many older adults. Extended family reunions are a way to gather multiple generations in one setting and to renew family ... Read more
AMERICA’S BIRTHDAY
It's time to start planning an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration. To set the mood, decorate your meeting room with red, white, and blue balloons and streamers. Design star-spangled T-shirts and patriotic hats for participants to ... Read more
HOSPITALITY
Do you have memories of large family gatherings when all of the relatives came for a visit - grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins? The goal was simply to share a meal and enjoy each other's company. Or, can you recall a time when you ... Read more
SPRING CELEBRATION
Spring is a favorite time of the year for children, birds, dogs, lovers, athletes-in fact, just about everybody! Listen to the sentiments of poet Richard Hovey: Spring in the world! And all things are made new! Nature awakens and puts on a ... Read more
