Conversation Topics to Have with Seniors

Just because you may have known them for many years, doesn’t mean conversations with your favorite senior citizens need to be repetitive or dull. Seniors have lived long, interesting lives. They are wise and have truths and experiences to share. Sometimes they think people don’t want to hear about some of the things they’ve done, or even have always dreamed of doing. Often they don’t want to bring up conversations for fear people will be disinterested or tune them out. And sometimes they are simply more interested in hearing about the new things happening in your life. But get them to open up and share. You will likely be happy you did. As you spend time together this spring, here are some ideas for conversation topics to have with the seniors in your life.

Ask Their Favorite Things About Each Season

With the changing season, this is a great topic to have with senior citizens. You can each share your favorites from spring to to winter. Maybe you can even come up with some ideas for something to do together this summer. 

Find Out What they Wanted to Be When They Grew Up and the Path They Took

Our dreams as children - such as being a cowboy or going to space, don't always come true. But sometimes the stars align, and our dreams materialize, such as becoming a marine biologist and moving to the Gulf Coast, where you can see the ocean every day. Find out what your favorite senior wanted to be when they grew up, and what path they took to get there. Did they do what they wanted to? Or did they find out they loved something completely different? Or did family obligations or money change their path? Ask them and it will give you some insight into how they got where they are today. 

What Would They Keep

Ask your senior loved one if they could save just one thing from their home, what would it be and why? The answer will be telling, 

Learn What Holidays Were Like When They Were a Child

Were Easter egg hunts even a thing when they were a child? Many of the older generation say they only colored real eggs when they were a kid, and never hid them. Find out what holidays such as Easter and Thanksgiving were like for your favorite senior when they were a child. Did they have big family gatherings, or did they have cozy holidays in a cabin in the woods?

Find Out Their Favorite Spots in the Cape Coral Area

While everyone knows of Fort Myers Beach and Captiva, maybe your senior loved one likes the more secluded beaches such as Lovers Key, which at one time was only accessible by boat. Find out what they love about the area, and where they like to go with friends and family. Maybe they have a spot they always used to go to for picnics, such as Bernice Braden Park at the foot of the Cape Coral bridge. You might learn some new things about the area when asking them, and it might even give your inspiration for something fun to do with your senior loved one.

Did They Have A Pet Growing Up

Maybe you always had a family dog when you were growing up with your senior loved one, but do you know if they ever had a pet? Find out if they had a conventional pet, such as a cat or dog, or if maybe they raised chickens. What were their names?

Ask What Legacy They Want to Leave With Their Life

This doesn’t need to be done in a morbid way, but have a deep conversation about how they want to be remembered. Maybe you always remember them for their Christmas cookies, but really they want to be known more for the way they help teach ESL students and have kept in touch with those students over the years. Ask and you might be surprised by what you learn.

If They Could Have Any Superpower What would it Be and Why

This is a fun question to get seniors talking and debating whether they might like to be invisible or fly. See where their imagination takes them.

What Is Something Stupid They Did as a Teenager

It can often be hard to imagine our senior loved ones as reckless or daring teenagers. Do if they did anything in their youth that got them in big trouble or that still sticks in their mind as one of their great adventures. 

What Would They Eat

Ask your favorite senior what they would eat if they could only eat three things every day for the rest of their lives. Can you predict what they might say? After they give their answers, maybe you can make a meal out of them together one afternoon.

Visiting Angels Cape Coral Is Here to Help

If you are looking for someone to help keep your senior loved one active and engaged, the experts at Visiting Angels can help. Our trained professionals can offer companion care services, so your senior loved one has someone to talk with, share stories with and listen to. We also offer personal care and specialty services, such as dementia care and a safe and steady program. Our caregivers can help seniors with everything from reminding your senior loved ones to take their medication to bathing them before bed. We serve seniors in Cape Coral, North Fort Myers and the surrounding areas.

Visiting Angels can visit your home to find out what needs you have, and develop a care plan tailored to your needs. Call us at (239) 226-1620 for more information or find us online.