By the time a person reaches their sunset years, they’ve collected countless stories, opinions, and bits of wisdom. Your loved one has a unique perspective on history, and they may have important facts, traditions, and memories to share regarding your family’s personal history as well. Even if you’ve spent a lot of time together, there’s always more to discover. So, be proactive in your conversations! Don’t let the precious time you have together go to waste. And if you aren’t sure where to start, scroll down. We’ve created a list of questions to ask a loved one in their sunset years that will help you get started.
Conversations are a magical thing. When you share your stories and ideas with someone, you can connect on a deeper level. To give your conversations a boost, we’ve compiled this list of questions to ask a loved one in their sunset years. Pick and choose from this list to create more meaningful conversations with your favorite people. And don’t be afraid to go off-script when the conversation veers toward something new and unexpectedly interesting.
Questions to Ask a Loved One in Their Sunset Years
What were your parents like when you were young?
Bonus Questions: What about your siblings? Your grandparents?
What was your childhood house like? What about your neighborhood?
What did you like to do for fun as a kid?
What kind of student were you? Did you participate in any clubs or sports?
What was your favorite movie as a kid? Your favorite meal? Your favorite class?
Which invention from your lifetime were you most amazed by when it was first introduced?
What’s the weirdest fad you remember? Did you participate in it?
Do you remember watching the Apollo 11 moon landing?
Bonus Questions: What historical events are etched into your mind? What are your memories of the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated? The civil rights movement? The Vietnam War? 9/11?
What was your first job?
How did you meet your spouse?
If you could go back to any age for a week, what age would you choose?
Who is in this photo? Where was it taken?
This is a very practical one! If you have family photos without labels, be sure to ask your loved one if they remember who’s in the picture so that you can write the names (and places, years, etc.) down for future generations.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
What’s the best advice you ever received?
When have you felt perfectly at peace?
What are the most rewarding things about getting older?
What are you most proud of?
How have your dreams and goals changed throughout your life?
What life advice would you give me?
What things make you the happiest right now?
What is one thing you would still like to do?
_____
Finally, to end on a more practical note, it’s important to discuss legal matters like estate plans to ensure that your loved one is prepared for all eventualities. Ask about power of attorney(s), advanced care directives, wills, trusts, funerary wishes, and more. If they don’t have a plan in place, connect them with a lawyer so they can start taking the first steps. Although this conversation can be uncomfortable, you will both enjoy peace of mind after the necessary legal steps are taken, knowing that your loved one’s wishes will be followed.
The time we share with our older family members is precious yet fleeting. Take advantage of it! Use these questions to ask a loved one to spark a meaningful conversation.
Are you looking for a premier assisted living and memory care community in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina? Visit us at Waterstone on Augusta. We strive to enhance the quality of life of the seniors we serve through teamwork and unity and work to provide a relaxing and supportive atmosphere for our residents. To learn more about our amenities and to view our lovely community, please schedule a tour online or call us today at 864-605-7236.