Your loved one may have trouble recalling recent memories.... but talking about those "Good Old Days" will certainly spark an interest for them!

As a loved one gets older and has trouble remembering, it might get hard to find something to talk about. One area that might be fun and relaxing for you both is to talk about the "Good Old Days". Even elders who suffer from mild to progressive dementia can remember their youth and childhood. So, these are the times that they'll feel confident about and want to share their thoughts. It may even be a good time to make note or record these treasured conversations.

Most of us find it fun to think about our childhood. There were times we just love to remember. It’s the same for your elderly loved one. It’s really fun to have these conversations with younger folks around! Oh, the questions they’ll ask. And for once, you can make fun of them for your not understanding!

So, here are some fun things to talk about to start you off.

Do you remember when? –

1. The fashion of the day was saddle shoes, rolled-up jeans and bobby socks, penny loafers and poodle skirts?
2. The music and moves of Elvis, the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, the Lawrence Welk Show and Jackie Gleason every Saturday Night?
3. The Milk Man and Egg Man made daily home deliveries?
4. Drying clothes was always done on a clothes line?
5. The ballgames were listened to on the radio by the whole family?
6. You got your hair washed every Saturday in the kitchen sink?
7. Pin curls, sponge rollers and the ‘beehive’ where the rage?
8. People wrote letters, not e-mails and cities got two home mail deliveries a day.
9. Every phone had a party line and you had to wait for your turn to talk on the phone?
10. ALL stores were closed on Sunday – even the liquor stores?
11. Women only went to town dressed in their Sunday best?
12. The toys of the era were: Betsy Wetsie, Chatty Cathy, Thumbelina, Patty Play Pal, Operation, Candy Land, Red Ryder B-B gun and coonskin caps?
13. Neighbors sat on their front porches every evening to visit rather than watching TV?
14. When exercise was done every morning with Jack LaLanne?
15. Having your milk or lunch money tied up in a handkerchief?

These are just a few suggestions to talk about with your loved one. I know you’ll have as much fun remembering as they will!

We'd love to hear about the "secrets" you've learned while reminiscing with your elderly loved one! Please, send us an e-mail! We'd love to share!

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