Introduction

This book is designed to be used by anybody working with older adults in residential, nursing and day care facilities. It provides a wealth of reminiscence material which can be used in a number of ways to rekindle memories and provide stimulating activity such as quizzes and discussion.

Content Structure

Each year covered in the book is divided into the sections Major events, On the home front, Music, Television, Screen and page, Sport and Do you remember?. Many sections can be easily turned into quizzes and it would be simple to form a quiz from each year's material.

Using the Material

One cannot cover all that happened in these years nor highlight all the associations each event or fact triggers, so the material is intended to be expanded on by the memories it triggers in clients during discussion. For example, where a film title is mentioned, ask if people can recall the stars of the film, its plot and how it ended.

The Major events section will trigger lots of opinions too, as it covers the political events of the decades. Try to get the groups to discuss the ethical and moral dilemmas these posed at the time.

Group Discussions and Personal Memories

The book is intended for use with individuals and groups, but you will discover that in a group, one person's memories will trigger another's. So, what seems like a small topic can last for the whole session as everyone shares their personal tales.

Additional Features

While the content has a UK bias, it also covers the major world events of the decades. I have included a blank page for each year for you to record your own personal landmarks and achievements, as well as those of your local town or community.

Specialising in older adults' mental health to a deeper level.