[For Seniors] Conversation starters that help you chat: engaging questions and topics to spark lively talks
Care workers who interact with older adults every day may often wonder what topics will get a good conversation going.
Sometimes, you might even find yourself at a loss for words.
However, casual conversations with seniors can be valuable opportunities to build communication, so it’s helpful to be able to talk smoothly.
In this article, we’ll introduce questions and topics that can spark lively conversations when talking with older adults.
If you’re struggling with communication with seniors, please use this as a reference.
- [For Seniors] Hilarious! A Collection of Funny Questions
- Fun, engaging topics for conversations with older adults!
- [For Seniors] Fun and Lively! Recommended Quiz Questions
- [For Seniors] Great for Brain Training! Question Card Ideas
- Conversations Made Easy! A Collection of Topics That Elderly People Enjoy
- [For seniors] Dice talk: engaging prompts
- Words useful for conversations with elderly people. Words that were used in the past.
- [For Seniors] Guaranteed to Liven Things Up! A Collection of Brain Training Activities That Will Spark Laughter
- [For Seniors] Perfect Brain Training! Fun Trivia
- [For Seniors] Today’s Recommended Activity: Fun and Engaging
- [For Seniors] Uplifting Words That Comfort the Heart
- Introducing words that will delight elderly people
- [For Seniors] Fun! Let’s Get Excited with Japan’s Number One Quiz
[For Older Adults] Conversation Starters That Help Keep the Chat Going: Fun Questions and Topics (11–20)
A popular song
With so many people raised in nuclear families, it can be hard to find topics to talk about with older adults from different generations.
That’s where music can help.
Since people say music transcends nationality and generation, it can probably spark a fun and lively time.
You could ask, “What songs were popular when you were young?” If it’s a song you know, just singing together can make for a fulfilling time even without much conversation.
If you learn a few simple chords, you can accompany on a keyboard and enjoy time with music as well.
The moment I feel the happiest is
Shall we all have a conversation on the theme: “When do you feel happiest?” Whether it’s when you’re eating something delicious, when a good crop has been harvested, or when you’re showing off your proud singing voice, there must be as many happy moments as there are people.
By sharing what happiness means to you, communication will surely be greatly encouraged even after the discussion.
Since it clarifies the topics each person enjoys, it’s bound to spark conversations in all kinds of situations.
Give it a try!
Today’s Anniversary
Japan has many commemorative days.
If you search, you’ll find so many that it’s almost as if there isn’t a single day that isn’t a commemorative day.
You can explain what today’s commemorative day is, and from there expand the conversation by asking questions like “When is your wedding anniversary?” or “When was your child born?” Even just having someone share stories related to those events can be enjoyable.
In addition, recalling details such as what things were like at the time can help trace various memories, which also contributes to brain training.
Favorite celebrity
Some older adults may enjoy TV and movies.
For those people, talking about their favorite celebrities is a great topic.
If they can’t remember the celebrity’s name, try asking questions like, “What shows were they on?” or “What movies did they appear in?” You could also look them up on a smartphone and show a picture to ask, “Is it this person?” or play a YouTube clip—this could be fun as well.
You might learn about their preferences, and the conversation may become easier and more engaging.
health method
Many people likely have their own unique methods they practice to live healthily day to day.
How about developing a conversation around the health practices everyone knows, as well as popular ones that are trending? Questions about when they learned the method and what effects it has are likely to liven things up.
Encouraging each older adult to share what they want to highlight can also help boost a positive feeling of expressing their own thoughts.
Depending on the type of health practice, trying it out on the spot and experiencing its effects could be a great springboard for further discussion.
Seasonal events and festivities
There are various annual events in Japan and around the world.
How about making those events a topic of conversation? They likely differ between the past and the present, and there may also be different customs depending on the region.
By having older adults talk about such things, various memories can connect, leading to more nostalgic recollections.
Asking further about the details also provides good exercise for the brain.
And being asked many questions about oneself is something that makes anyone happy, not just older adults.
[For Seniors] Conversation starters that help keep the talk flowing: engaging questions and topics (21–30)
Old names for clothing
“Gaitō” and “kōruten.” Do you know what these words refer to? In fact, they’re names for clothing from the early Shōwa era.
By the way, “gaitō” means a winter coat, and “kōruten” refers to corduroy trousers.
Many older people may be familiar with them.
Since we all wear clothes in daily life, this can be a great conversation topic for anyone, regardless of gender.
If you include the origins of these old terms and some trivia, the conversation will likely broaden and become even more engaging.
