Four reasons why your elders should share their life stories

I would like to tell you about Linda, and why she's recording her stories and memories now.

Linda is (a little) over 80 years old, she lives alone many, many miles from her only daughter Jane and her two young grandchildren.

Jane has her own busy life.  she has a family to look after; a full-time job, and in-laws who all need and rely on her, sometimes she struggles to be there for Linda.

It was Jane’s birthday recently, and Jane asked her mum for a gift. She asked her mum to record her stories, and she asked me to help her. She explained to me why this was the gift that she wanted and why it would also be a gift to her mum and her own children.

First, Jane said. ‘My mum gets lonely and bored. want to give her something that she can enjoy doing now. I want to help her to remember the incredible life she has led and to enjoy those memories, even if some might be tough’.

Second, I also pointed out to Jane that a little bit of nostalgia is good for you. Summoning up happy memories can help you feel connected, alleviate loneliness and give life more meaning. 

Third. This was a gift to Jane, not just her mum, so she explained her second reason for choosing this gift.  ‘My children are young, their grandma is vulnerable, and we just do not know what the future holds. I want my children to know and to understand their heritage, culture, and family, and to hear firsthand about some of the amazing things that their grandma did and saw when she was younger'.

Fourth, she said. ‘I want to enjoy better conversations with my mum’.  She went on to explain that it can be hard to find things to talk about, particularly now that everyone is stuck at home. 'I want us to look forward to speaking to each other and I know that listening to her stories together will not only be fun, but it will also open up new conversations, for me and her grandchildren'.

And so, I spoke to Linda. I explained how I record stories remotely, and we got stuck in. 

Linda and I have met virtually, several times over the last couple of months, and I have recorded many of her stories. We have had such fun in the process, and right now, I am now putting the finishing touches on the edited stories to create her audio memoir.

Linda and Jane plan to listen together, remotely and I can’t wait to hear how it goes.  If you would like to help your parents to share their stories just let me know!