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
IRISH-AMERICANS
Do you know where your family came from? One important role for an older adult is preserving his or her family's history and cultural heritage for younger generations. Culture is often expressed through traditions, customs, and rituals, ... Read more
LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
February gives you a wonderful opportunity to talk about love and friendship and to plan some endearing activities for your group. Each February we set aside a day to express our appreciation of the special people in our lives: St. ... Read more
1945 CELEBRATION
Consider the words of American novelist Pearl Buck: "If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday." The same thing can be said of people. If you want to know your clients, start by reflecting on their personal history. This ... Read more
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