Remembering More - How To Recall Memories
My mother has very advanced dementia but she can still remember dozens of old songs when the music triggers her memory. My great grandmother died when I was five years old but to this day, whenever I smell lilacs, I have vivid memories of her and the lilac sachets in her lingerie drawer. If I can't remember a phone number, I place my fingers on a phone key pad and let my fingers "remember" for me. The smell of the sea air, the sound of the wind, the taste of your mother's meatloaf, the sight of a sunrise, the feel of a baby's skin are all triggers we created through our emotional and sensory experiences.
In addition, every time we think, write, and/or talk about an experience, we make even more memories--and more triggers by which to recall them.
To be more successful recalling memories, then, when doing routine tasks, challenge yourself to be aware of all of your senses like the taste, feel, smell, and sound of brushing your teeth. Consciously add additional senses to your experiences. For example, revel in the taste, smell, look, and feel of eating something delicious and when you turn on some music, get up and boogie!
Make a point to explore new things and/or do things you haven't done in years. When you walk on the beach, notice the feel of the sand between your toes, the heat of the sun, the smell of the heavy summer air, the color of the sky, and the sound of the birds! And include your family and friends. Not only will it create fuller memories for you, it will give them wonderful memories, too.
Related Tags: alzheimers, parents, memories, dementia, sandwich generation, eldercare, adult children
© Copyright AgeWiseLiving™ 2001-2006 You can find information about Generational Coaching, AgeWiseLiving™ seminars, and to sign up for Barbara's monthly newsletter at http://www.AgeWiseLiving.com or by calling toll-free (877) AGE-WISE. Barbara E. Friesner is the country's leading Generational Coach and expert on issues affecting seniors and their families. She is an adjunct professor at Cornell University, where she created and teaches "Seniors Housing Management" at Cornell's School of Hotel Administration.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Facts About Walk In Baths
Walk in baths are different from a regular bath because it has a door that seals. It is designed for - Staying Active In Old Age
Growing older shouldn't mean growing inactive - even in old age it is very important to remain as ac - Emergency Alert Devices For Seniors At Home
Isn't it remarkable to see that today, seniors are healthier, more active, increasingly independent, - Retirement Communities Catered For Seniors With Alzheimers
Retirement planning is an investment and should be done by everyone when they reach a particular sta - Elderly Care Jobs
These days there are many families struggling to cope with raising a family whilst working in demand - Healthy Tips For Senior Citizens
When you get older things you used to enjoy becomes more difficult in many ways. Increasing aches an - Legal Guardianship Entails Great Responsibility
If you are requesting legal guardianship over an individual, you need to understand that being a gua - Happy Retirement Living
Most people think that planning your retirement can be done overnight. Unfortunately, this is far fr - The Retirement Planning Checklist
When it comes to planning your retirement, there really is no definite time when you should start wo - Easy Steps To Choosing A Retirement Community
Planning your retirement years is something that you do not just do overnight. There are several fac
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Medicaid Estate Recovery
You've met with your elder law attorney, you've come up with a plan of action, time has gone by, and - Beware of Illegal Medicaid Plans!
You may have received one of those postcards promising in breathless prose how you can "save your ho - Nursing Home Survey Issued---2006
The annual MetLife Mature Market survey for 2006 was just issued. Here are some of the key findings: - Medicaid Estate Recovery: Exceptions
It's not enough to qualify for Medicaid unless you also plan for the possibility of "estate recovery - Medicaid Estate Recovery: What to Do?
Merely qualifying for Medicaid is not enough if upon your death your family will have to pay back th - Reverse Mortgages and Medicaid
Many seniors are pitched the benefits of a "reverse mortgage" as a way to "unlock" the equity in the - Elder Abuse: What It Is & How to Prevent It
I'm sure you have heard the tragic story of Brooke Astor, the multimillionaire New York socialite wh - Life Insurance and Medicaid Eligibility
In order to qualify for Medicaid coverage of your nursing home stay, your assets cannot exceed $2,00 - Who Pays for My Home After I'm On Medicaid?
The home is one of the biggest assets you are allowed to own and still qualify for Medicaid coverage - Medicaid Annuities: How Do They Work? (Part 1)
In order to qualify for Medicaid, a single individual cannot have more than $2,000 in countable asse