Asking questions to seniors keeps them happy and gives them a sense of belonging. For example, If you have seen those senior citizens who are living alone without much socializing with the family and friends or senior who have lost their loved one, gradually tend to become introverts and speak only when asked with questions or when their grandchildren come to visit them. This is common between seniors, yet not very healthy for their mental and physical well being. Engage seniors in meaningful conversations and you will get to know amazing things. This article covers some of the best questions to ask seniors.
Seniors love to talk and get involved in all of the family matters, yet they are not given much of their rightful respect and their words are often taken for granted. Given below are some of the best questions which you can ask a senior to get them talking and reminiscing,
What do you remember about the place you grew up? If they have been living in the same place, ask them how it has changed? What is the place you most often go to and why?
What was your first job? Ask them about their salary, why did they choose that job? Did they like it?
Which invention were you initially most amazed by? Remember, we grew up with technology, they had to adapt to it. TVs, Mobile Phones, Internet are just half as old when compared to an average senior citizen.
What was your favorite movie/book when you were younger? Try watching it together with them. This would be a great time for both the seniors and you.
What was the most mischief thing which you did? Grandparents might be looking old since the time you were born, but they have also crossed our age and have been in our place. This is a great question to make them laugh and get to know their mischiefs
What is the history of our (your) family name? Every family has a family name. Ask about the origins of it and the reason why it was named so.
When and how did you meet your spouse? This question sure would make them blush. Was it love at first sight? How was the marriage and where was it?
How were your children when they grew up? This is an opportunity to learn about your mom and dad when they were kids. What do you think is the difference between the way your kids grew to that of your grandkids?
What do you remember about your parents and grandparents? You can learn about the history of the family members whom you have not met.
What was some of the best time which they had with their family? This might have been a trip, their marriage time, etc.
What did you and your siblings do for fun? Since they were raised up before mobiles and technology came, the way they spent their time would have been totally different from how we are spending it right now.
What are the most important lessons you have learnt in your life? With age comes experience and wisdom. Ask them to know. These kinds of invaluable advice you will get only if you ask questions to them.
Who has influenced you the most? Ask them the reason. Do not forget to thank them for their influence over your life.
If you can go back to any age, what age would it be? How far back would they want to go? Why was their life much better during those times? Would they be content to stay in their same age?
What is the most rewarding thing about getting older? More time for themselves? Is it pride in all the knowledge they have gained over the years?
What would you say to your younger self? Take this advice for you and learn the best from it.
What has been the best day of your life and why? It has high chances this day could have been their wedding. It could have also been the birth of their child or just a nice day by the lake.
What is the one thing which you are most proud of? Make sure you congratulate them on this and also ask them the motivation to do that thing.
What were your goals and has it changed throughout your life? We all make goals, learning from seniors can give a lot of perspective on goal setting.
What is the one good value which you think you possess? This may be hospitality, generosity, kindness, etc. Do you see this virtue in them, make sure you appreciate them for it
Here are some points which you need to remember when you speak with any elderly - Always give them your full attention; dealing with many people over the years, they can easily identify if you are giving them attention. Allow them to speak without interrupting them. Take it slow with one question at a time and avoid mixing multiple questions. When what they say is different from what you usually know, try to accept the differences in opinion without raising disputes. Avoid speaking in noisy areas and choose a time when they are much relaxed. Henceforth make sure you do not let the elderly in your family quite but strive to engage seniors in meaningful conversations for their wellbeing and health. If you are looking for home care services for seniors, visit 60plusindia and check out the best elderly care services we offer to book an appointment.
Author : Team 60Plus India
Keywords : Questioning, Elders, Seniors, Happy, Senior citizens, Questions to ask a senior, engage seniors in conversation.
Hashtags : #questioning #elders #seniors #seniorcitizens #young #family #oldage #values #conversations #dialogues #questionnaire #socialize #isolation #wecare #60plusindia
