Let's go back to the year....
TypeVocational
Level of careMemory Care, Assisted Living
Printables1 handout
Loves1 from Thread users
In this activity, residents who are living with mid to late stage dementia can engage with images and sounds from the past. Many times people who are living with dementia will be living in the past (this is known as retrogenesis) and can be engaged more readily with stimuli from the period they are in and more familiar with. In this activity, choose a year or decade and then choose the type of media the resident might be interested in. This can be effective in helping to redirect residents who are agitated or distressed. It can also be fun to just go through the media or a staff member or loved one can use the media to engage the resident in reminiscing.
Purpose of the Activity
The primary goal of this activity is to provide comfort, validation, and positive engagement for residents by connecting with their long-term memories. Tapping into a time period they recall vividly can reduce anxiety, agitation, and boredom. It offers a wonderful opportunity for non-verbal and verbal communication, reinforcing a resident's sense of identity and personal history. As a vocational activity, it validates past life experiences, careers, and roles, which are central to a person's self-worth.
Materials Needed
Choose materials based on the selected decade (e.g., 1940s, 1950s, 1960s) and the resident's known interests.
Technology: A tablet, laptop, or smart TV is excellent for easily accessing a wide range of content. A portable Bluetooth speaker for clear audio is also very helpful.
Visuals:
Large, clear printouts of photos showing fashion, classic cars, famous movie stars, historical events, or everyday life from the chosen era.
Picture books about a specific decade.
Old magazines like Life, Look, or The Saturday Evening Post (originals or reproductions).
Audio:
A pre-made digital playlist of popular music from the era.
Recordings of old-time radio shows (comedies, dramas, news).
Tactile Items (Optional):
Vintage objects like a rotary phone, a classic bakelite radio, a vintage handbag, or a fedora hat.
Fabric swatches with patterns from the decade (e.g., polka dots for the 50s, paisley for the 60s).
Estimated Duration
15 – 45 minutes. The ideal length depends entirely on the resident's attention span and level of engagement. It is better to have a short, positive experience than a long, tiring one.
Ideal Group Size
One-on-One: Best for residents who are easily overstimulated, non-verbal, or when using the activity for redirection.
Small Group (2-5 residents): Ideal for a reminiscing session where residents can share memories with each other. This size ensures everyone gets a chance to be seen and heard.
Inside the full activity guide
- Setup Instructions
- Step-by-Step Guidance
- Tips for Engagement
- Optional Variations
- Notes for Adapting Based on Ability or Season
- 1 printable handout
