9 Entertaining Discussion Topics for Seniors

Talking to seniors can be a challenge if you are not sure which discussion topics would make them feel uncomfortable. Once you pick a topic and set the conservation rolling, you need to be careful throughout the conversion process. Don’t be tempted to give them unwanted inappropriate information.

The elderly have experience taking care of children and, so, being advised by a child, or an adult child will make them feel belittled. Instead, you can try to support them without giving advice. Also, remember to use your usual vocabulary without trying to simplify it.

Doing that may make them feel that you are treating them like children.

How to Talk to Elderly People

Before you pick a topic, it is good to master the art of communication with the seniors. There are a few things you need to remember so you can keep them happily engaged throughout the conversation.

Give them your full attention and be patient with them in case they can’t speak at a faster pace. Do not interrupt them because they like to speak freely and from their hearts. And in the course of the conversation, avoid jumping from one topic to another as this might get them confused.

Focus on one topic and discuss it exhaustively before you jump to any other discussion topics. Also, try to avoid open-ended queries, especially if the elderly person is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Another thing to remember is to choose the right environment for your discussion. It shouldn’t be in a noisy place with competing sounds of TV or radio. Lastly, remember to accept differences in opinion and learn to compromise whenever a decision has to be made.

The Discussion Topics for Seniors

You are now ready to start a discussion and the next step is to choose a topic. The senior conversation starters are not very different from those you use with your age-mates/age group. However, you need to remember that conversation topics change as people age and become interested in new things. Discover nine of the best discussions topics for seniors here.

Ask About Their Past

The elderly like to talk much about their past. It helps them relive the wonderful moments they had as children or youths. Some will also discuss the challenges they had and how they overcame them. This can also help you to learn.

Ask them about their favorite childhood memories, what kind of fun activities they got involved in, and the lessons they learned from such activities or from their childhood in general.

Ask for Their Views on the Present

This is a topic that comes out naturally from the elderly. They usually like to compare what they observe now with how things used to be in the past. Here you can discuss the foods they liked to eat as they were growing up and whether such foods are still available.

You can also bring in the issue of technology and ask them whether they feel it has some positive effects on society.

Look Toward the Future

The elderly have been around for many years and have witnessed so many things. as you get older mobility in the house becomes hard and you can ask them what they think about their children or grandchildren in the next 10 years, or even how they think the world will be in the next 10 years. You can also ask them how they would like to be remembered.

Ask About Their Favorite Things

Find out from them if they have any favorite type of music, movie, or show. You may be surprised that there are certain things you have in common and this can bring a very interesting conversation.

Also, find out if there are any fun activities they like to participate in. If it is something you know about, go at length and discuss it. You can also mention some activities that you feel might be of interest to them and ask if they are willing to learn more about them.

Discuss Their Life Achievements

Discussing their achievement makes them feel happy about their accomplishments. Ask them about what they are proud of. It can be about the buildings they constructed, their achievements at the places where they worked, or the trophies and medals they received as rewards in sports.

Ask them how these achievements shaped their lives and what lessons they would like to pass to the current generation.

Discuss the Colleges They Went to

Some elderly people are very proud of their academic achievements and this can be a great topic for them. They also like to discuss their college life. So, ask them whether they went to any college, what they studied, and their opinions about those colleges today.

They will tell you about how the college life was during their time, their academic achievements, and how these helped to shape them. If they never went to any college, you can ask about what they did instead.

Discuss Their Families

Elderly persons feel so happy to discuss their families. You can ask them about how many brothers/sisters they have, their names, where they are, and what they are doing.

Try to discuss what they remember about their family members as they were growing up. They will tell you a lot, even about their family members who have passed on.

Discuss Their Spouses

Many seniors like to discuss their spouses, so this is also a very interesting topic. They will open up and tell you where they met, how they met, and how old they were when they met, got engaged, and got married. Ask them to compare their weddings to modern weddings.

Talk About What They Do to Get Rid of Stress

Most elderly persons get stressed up and they would be willing to discuss this. Some may also be feeling lonely, especially when their children are grown-ups and no longer live with them. It is interesting to let them discuss with you how they cope in such situations and even with the day to day life.

Discussion Topics for the Elderly Are Plenty

There are many great discussions topics you can discuss with the elderly. You need to be creative and talk to them about something that makes them feel happy. Remember never to shout at them in case they never heard you well the first time you spoke. Some people can miss a few words although they can hear just fine.

Pick good discussion topics, be smart and you will find elderly people to be very friendly and nice to converse with. If you want to learn more about family and social life issues, keep browsing our blog.

Originally published at Trending Us.