{"id":2722,"date":"2019-08-23T13:06:52","date_gmt":"2019-08-23T13:06:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/assistinghands.com\/20\/?p=2722"},"modified":"2020-02-18T18:10:02","modified_gmt":"2020-02-18T18:10:02","slug":"good-conversation-senior-citizens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/20\/illinois\/hinsdale\/blog\/good-conversation-senior-citizens\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Have a Good Conversation with Senior Citizens"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/p>\n

Perhaps you volunteer at a nursing facility, where seniors in varying conditions appreciate a smile and a few minutes of pleasant conversations. Or, you may have an elderly neighbor you haven\u2019t gotten around to knowing just yet. You might even serve meals to the elderly in their homes when they are unable to venture out to grocery shop or cook. In these instances, and in many similar situations, it helps to learn a few important skills in how to make good conversation with senior citizens.<\/p>\n

Members of the senior population experience more loneliness<\/a> than other age groups, due to weakened health or a decline in physical mobility. Time spent with seniors in enjoyable conversation is significantly valued, enhancing the seniors\u2019 sense of emotional well-being.<\/p>\n

Seniors offer a wealth of knowledge, like stories gleaned from decades of unique life experiences\u2014funny stories, inspiring tales about courage and relationships or accounts that might even shock, like historic wars or our country\u2019s lean years during the Great Depression. Plus, they may find amusement in telling you the latest jokes they\u2019ve heard, or they may look forward to hearing yours!<\/p>\n

Welcome a Senior<\/h2>\n

\"HowYour first step in getting to know an elderly individual, is to offer a greeting. If unfamiliar with the person, introduce yourself. If you are familiar with the senior, offer a hug if appropriate, when you mention how glad you are to see them.<\/p>\n

Open-ended questions are invaluable in encouraging a senior to open up. Ask about members of their family, for instance. Seniors also enjoy talking about their childhood, family events and momentous times in our country\u2019s history that they were proud to be a part of.<\/p>\n

Small talk is no small matter! Even elderly individuals love a chat about the last book they read! If the senior has grandchildren, finding out when they last visited is a great way to begin a conversation.<\/p>\n

Music, photo albums and homemade goodies light up a senior\u2019s face within seconds. Sit down with them and travel back in time as they recall the people in those photographs, rejoice in the music that gave special meaning to events in their lives or simply delight in a treat you whipped up.<\/p>\n

Logistics of Good Conversation<\/h2>\n

The elderly may require different atmospheres when having in-depth conversations. Quiet spaces offer a relaxed, less distracting environment, and one which is conducive to hearing. Make sure to turn off sources of surplus noise, like the radio or television. Sit facing the senior so they can read your lips if necessary.<\/p>\n

Be careful to remain respective of the hearing challenges an elderly individual may face. Speak loudly and clearly. If the senior has difficulty with comprehending your words, slow down your rate of speech; use short sentences. Good eye contact shows the senior that you are listening attentively to their words and care about their message. Be patient with the senior, who may on occasion struggle to find the right words.<\/p>\n

Conversation Starters For Seniors<\/h2>\n

\"ConversationsSenior care experts offer a few questions to engage a senior in meaningful conversation. These questions are especially useful when the senior is someone you know well, such as a family member or close friend of the family. Store a few of these questions in your bag of conversation starters, and pull them out when you have the priceless opportunity of conversing with a senior:<\/p>\n