By chatting with older adults, you can get a sense of how their body and mood are that day.
This time, we’re introducing conversation starters—questions about nostalgic Showa-era memories—that can help increase interactions.
Having photos or videos makes things easier to understand and helps the conversation expand even more.
It’s also great for sparking lively nostalgic conversations among older adults themselves, so we recommend it.
We’re also sharing ways to offer encouragement that can boost motivation, so please try incorporating them during meals, bathing, and other daily situations!
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- Conversations Made Easy! A Collection of Topics That Elderly People Enjoy
- Introducing words that will delight elderly people
- [For Seniors] Guaranteed to Liven Things Up! A Collection of Brain Training Activities That Will Spark Laughter
- [For seniors] Dice talk: engaging prompts
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- Entertainment ideas for year-end parties that seniors will enjoy
- [For Seniors] Uplifting Words That Comfort the Heart
- [For Seniors] Fun and Informative! Trivia and Quizzes Introduced
- For Seniors: Fun and Lively Exercise Recreation
- [For Seniors] Liven Things Up with Trick Riddles You Answer!
- Introducing old-fashioned words that are useful for conversations with elderly people!
Fun conversation starters! Talking with seniors (1–10)
A story about sumo
It seems that many older adults like sumo.
Some may even go to watch matches at the Kokugikan in person.
When today’s seniors were children, the sports that were frequently broadcast on TV and elsewhere were sumo and baseball.
Because of that background, there’s a view that many seniors are sumo fans.
Anyone is happy when a favorite topic comes up, and conversations tend to get lively.
Try checking sumo news beforehand and prompting seniors to talk about sumo.
From there, the conversation may branch out in many directions.
Stories about nostalgic items that were in the home
Let’s try using items from home to help recall the past and spark conversation.
Although treadle sewing machines and rotary dial telephones are rarely seen today, they were essential items in everyday life for many older adults.
Precisely because they were used so often, people may feel a deep attachment to them.
Remembering nostalgic objects and talking with those around you—or listening to their stories—helps stimulate the brain.
Enjoyable conversations that evoke fond memories can also promote emotional stability.
Please try conversations centered on “nostalgic items from the home” and enjoy a pleasant time together.
Nostalgic games talk
The toys that older adults played with when they were young may be filled with fun episodes and family memories.
Try weaving nostalgic games and playthings that remind them of those days into your conversations.
Talking about enjoyable times is likely to liven up the conversation.
Looking back and “remembering” the past can also be expected to help stimulate the brain.
Games and recreational activities that incorporate play reminiscent of those days—like ohajiki (marble-like flicking game) or kicking the can—are also recommended.
Please make good use of these ideas for nostalgic play.
Words that bring out motivation
In many senior care facilities, group exercises are offered to help maintain physical function.
While we want residents to participate within their comfort levels, there are likely some who choose not to join.
In such cases, adding a name or description that seniors find trustworthy can encourage smoother participation.
For example, before the exercise session, try mentioning that “this was featured on an NHK program” or “this routine was developed by a doctor.” Many older adults tend to trust these two sources.
Consider incorporating this approach.
Stories of Meals During and After the War
Some older adults may have experienced war.
If so, try asking them about what it was like at the time.
Food-related topics from during or after the war are recommended, as you can compare them with meals today and have engaging conversations.
You might also try turning meal menus into a quiz format.
Starting from food, the conversation may naturally expand to difficult times or stories of hardship.
Thanks to the older generations who have contributed to society for many years, Japan is what it is today.
It’s also important to show respect through your conversations.
A story about nostalgic culture
One characteristic of dementia is that people tend not to forget their past memories.
With that in mind, why not incorporate items or aspects of culture that might feel nostalgic into your conversations with older adults? This approach is known as “reminiscence therapy” for people with dementia.
Looking at or touching old photos and familiar objects from the past can prompt self-reflection.
Reflecting on the past and sharing memories with others can also help facilitate communication.
By connecting the flow of time between the past and the present, individuals may gain confidence and hope, and it can also help stabilize their emotions.
Even just looking at nostalgic photos or videos can be beneficial, so please consider giving it a try.
A conversation incorporating onomatopoeia
Putting the sounds of nature and the voices or states of living things into words is called “onomatopoeia.” Incorporating onomatopoeia into explanations is said to draw out people’s movements and make them smoother.
For example, in gymnastics, if you say, “Point your toes peeen,” it helps them put strength into it.
Try prompting with phrases that evoke the desired action, like “Raise your shoulders guu—” or “Lift your legs gug-gu and march in place.” Because the movement is easier to picture, it becomes easier to move the body, right? Also, onomatopoeia is said to be a word that brings out strength.
By all means, try adding “onomatopoeia” to your exercises and recreational activities.