Elder LifeStories Groups

I facilitate groups for residents in assisted living as opportunity for participants to share meaningful memories, stories and experiences from their lives. These groups create space where they can really be listened to and witness the sharing of others.   Reminiscing and sharing the depth of their lives is an opportunity for participants to express appreciation of who they have been and what they have been able to experience, as well as, to express gratitude for what is still present in their lives. In sharing memories, there are a wide variety of emotions that come up, even in discussing pleasant memories, experiences and relationships. This is very real for these aging individuals who have lost loved ones, are no longer able to be in their homes or with family as often, and are no longer able to physically or mentally engage as they used to.  While sharing may begin with lighthearted memories, my facilitation and sharing from other group members allows people to also express what they miss and what brings them sorrow about how things have changed. The various strategies that different people use to be resilient and find support even within their challenges and losses are naturally elicited within these conversations and can serve as inspiration for others as well.