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As humans, we cherish moments of connection. A meaningful conversation has the power to subvert time by ingraining itself in our minds forever. While small talk possesses the ability to relieve awkward silence, your mind rarely holds on to it. The words slip away from your memory almost as soon as you uttered them. Conversations that go beyond and deeper than small talk, on the other hand, are unforgettable.

“When you speak to your aging loved one, remember that you are conversing with someone who possesses more wisdom, greater life experience, and a better collection of stories than you” says Carrie Hernandez, a psychology writer at Bestbritishessays and Revieweal.

Research by Dr. Robert Butler suggests that reminiscing can be beneficial for seniors. Consider asking your elderly loved one if they are willing to share their most beloved memories and stories with you. If your loved one refuses, respect their decision and their boundaries. Never push them to share more than they are comfortable with sharing.

If they enthusiastically agree to reminisce with you, here are some conversation starters that could gently prompt them. 

Most Beloved Memories

• What has been the best moment of your life so far?
• Where was your most unforgettable vacation?
• Do you remember your first love? Your first kiss?
• How did you meet the love of your life?
• How did you know they were the one?
• What is the best concert you’ve ever experienced?
• What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? Your most shocking accomplishment?
• What are you most grateful for?
• What is the best compliment you have ever received?
• What chapter in your life did you feel the most like your true self?
• What year was your most unforgettable birthday?
• What and with who was the best date of your life?
• What were you like in high school?
• What is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen?
• What is the wildest thing you’ve ever done?
• Did you fall in love easily?

Favorites & Preferences

• What songs transport you back in time? Where do they take you?
• What is your favorite joke?
• If you could do one thing for all of eternity, what would you do?
• What is your favorite book? Your favorite movie? Your favorite song?
• What is your most treasured possession?
• What is your favorite game?
• Who is your favorite actor or actress?
• Who is your favorite singer?
• If you could listen to one album on repeat forever, what album would it be?
• Who is your current celebrity crush?
• If you could try another profession, what would it be?
• Where is your favorite place in the entire world?
• If you could live the life of any fictional character, who would you choose?
• What is your favorite holiday?
• If you could eat one meal for the rest of eternity, what meal would it be?
• Who is your favorite person in the entire world?
• What was the best present you’ve ever received?
• What was your favorite subject in school?
• What is your favorite childhood tv show of all time?
• What is your go-to karaoke song?

Core Values & Identity

• What are three things you love about the person you became?
• What’s your favorite thing about yourself?
• What limiting beliefs did you have to overcome?
• How has your confidence increased with age?
• Who inspired you to become the best version of yourself?
• What do you think humanity needs more of? Less of?
• What is a perceived flaw you grew to eventually appreciate?
• What are you proudest of yourself for saying no to?
• What does self-love mean to you?
• When do you feel the most loved? What is your main love language?
• If you were to write a love letter to yourself, what would it say?
• What assumptions did people often get wrong about you?
• How did your upbringing shape you as a person? How did it shape your political views?
• What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
• As a child, what did you want to be when you grow up?

“While your elderly loved one is reminiscing, immerse yourself in their stories. Encourage them and respond animatedly. Listen wholeheartedly and stay curious” says Matt Macias, a psychology blogger at Big Assignments and Oxessays. Hold on to this moment of pure, ineffaceable connection with a loved one for as long as you can and foster as many more of these moments as possible. 

By Christina Lee

Christina Lee is a writer and social media strategist at Research paper writers. She specializes in writing about the most recent trends in marketing news and technologies. You can find her work at Study demic and Best assignment services, among others.