Older woman and her adult daughter looking at photo album together on couch in living room
Blog

Reminiscing Questions for Seniors

January 27, 2025
Roxanna Guilford-Blake

Encouraging older adults to share their stories is a way to honor their life. Sometimes, it can be difficult to get you elderly loved one to open up, but it's worth it. These conversations — especially when they focus on happy, fulfilling memories — can create deeper connections and bring pleasure to both the storyteller and listener.

Reminiscing questions for seniors also can be therapeutic, supporting cognitive and emotional health.


What Is Reminiscence Therapy?

Reminiscence therapy involves discussing past experiences and revisiting memories. It's particularly beneficial for older adults, especially those with dementia. It improves their quality of life. According to a 2023 review of research published in BMC Geriatrics, reminiscence therapy "was effective in improving depression, physical/mental health and cognitive function of the elderly at home."

"It uses the power of storytelling to stimulate cognitive function and enhance emotional well-being," explains [name, title]. "It's successful because it taps into long-term memory, which often remains even as short-term memory fades. Reminiscence therapy offers older adults, especially those with dementia, a meaningful way to connect with their past and with their loved ones."

Questions to Ask When Interviewing an Older Person

You can make these meaningful connections without the aid of a therapist. It's as simple as asking thoughtful questions. At its core, reminiscence therapy is about storytelling. Here are some reminiscing questions for seniors to help you get started, broken down into various aspects of your elderly loved one's life.

Childhood and Youth

Tap into their early memories and learn about who they were as children:

  • Who was your favorite teacher: What subject did they teach? Why were they your favorite?
  • Tell me about your favorite outdoor games as a child: Where did you play them?
  • What was your favorite board game: How did your favorite games change as you got older? Were you competitive? If so, did you ever cheat?
  • What extracurricular activities did you participate in during high school: Tell me stories about those activities. Maybe something from the team bus or backstage?
  • Did your family take vacations together when you were growing up: What do you remember most about those trips?
  • How do you like to celebrate holidays? What’s one of your favorite holiday traditions? What were your childhood family gatherings like?

Adulthood and Career

These questions give you the opportunity to talk about your loved one's professional life:

  • What was your first full-time job: Did you enjoy it? Why or why not?
  • How did you get into your primary career: What did you like and not like about it?
  • Have you had other jobs or careers: Tell me about your work. What made you change jobs or careers?
  • Did you ever serve in the military: What branch? Why did you join? What type of work did you do?
  • Were you a part of any professional, social, or charitable organizations? What kind of volunteering did you do? What did you enjoy about those times?

Love and Relationships

Encourage your loved one to talk about their loved ones:

  • Tell me about your first love: How did you meet? What drew you to them?
  • How did you meet your spouse (if married): Why did you decide to get married? What's your fondest memory of them?
  • What memories do you have of your children or grandchildren: Tell me about them.
  • Did you have pets: What kind? Tell me about them. What were they like?

Life Experiences

Your loved one has so many life experiences you can ask about. Here are just a handful of questions to get you started:

  • What was your favorite travel destination as an adult: Why is it your favorite?
  • Did you do volunteer work: For what causes? What did you do?
  • How have you seen technology change: Did you have a rotary phone growing up? What were computers like when you first started using them?
  • Tell me about some of the major historical events you lived through: How did they affect you at the time? How do they affect you today?
  • What are your favorite family traditions: Did you create new ones as an adult?

Tips for Your Conversation

You don't have to stick to this list. In fact, it's a good idea to customize the questions to your loved one's experience and personality. It's easy to come up with your own. As you think up questions to ask your senior friends and family, focus on topics that will make them smile. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Don't condescend: Engage with empathy and respect. Think of it as coming up with questions to ask an old friend.
  • Listen actively: Pay attention to their tone and body language, showing genuine interest in their stories. Maintain eye contact, nod and respond as needed to keep the conversation flowing.
  • Be patient: Allow them time to recall memories. Don't rush the conversation.
  • Consider using props: Photo albums, a favorite piece of music or even a nostalgic snack may jog their memory.
  • Avoid sensitive topics: You can’t know everything that could be triggering for them, but don’t bring up subjects or experiences that are likely to make them upset.

Meaningful Memories, Meaningful Conversations

Asking your elderly loved one to remember the past can bring the two of you closer, while supporting their cognitive and emotional health. It's an important part of caring for your loved one. But sometimes, you need more help. If you need additional support in caring for or engaging with your loved one, contact a BrightStar Care® representative today.

BrightStar Care® can help you and your loved one in many ways. They understand the value of reminiscing with older adults and can help you develop and ask questions. And they are a new audience for your loved one's stories. Whether you're looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care® offers A Higher Standard®.