SUMMARY
Magic Word Books are as simple as children’s books, though meant for seniors. Each book is designed to trigger reminiscence of the way things were ... once upon a time. The purpose is to help ‘exercise’ the brain at a point in life when everything is getting harder and harder to do. This activity may help slow deterioration.
rem·i·nis·cence (noun)
- a story about the past. "His reminiscences of his early days in Calgary."
- the pleasant recollection of past events. "His story made me smile in reminiscence."
- incidents and experiences that someone remembers.
BACKGROUND
Ellen Nielsen was caregiver to two parents with dementia (at the same time) over 17 years. She has since helped with an auntie and a neighbour, both of whom also had dementia – and passed in 2023.
Dementia is a brain condition resulting in deterioration in thinking and memory, including decision-making. It is not considered a normal part of aging.
As of 2023, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s (the most common form of dementia) and about 600,000 Canadians. Worldwide, there are over 44 million people. The numbers are expected to grow substantially in the coming years.
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People will often say “Well, your mom looked after you. Now it’s your turn to look after your mom.”
Except looking after a child, who every day becomes a little more capable, is not the same as looking after an adult who was once capable and every day becomes a little less so.
We all know the outcome. It is not one of those exciting life events like finding a great job, meeting the love of your life, or bringing a new family member into the world ...
There are very few joys along this path.
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Ellen came to recognize that certain activities create positive experiences even under these very difficult circumstances. She wants to help other seniors and their caregivers with a unique book series (which could be gifted by family or others – or become an asset in a care facility):
- Board books, as simple as children’s books, but meant for seniors, including those with early to mid-stage dementia.
- Designed to stimulate reminiscence. Memories from the prime of life are normally the last to disappear – even in those experiencing forgetfulness or other forms of cognitive decline.
- Caregivers can use the topics to discuss memories specific to the senior’s own life. “Did you ever own a station wagon?” “Who decorated the Christmas tree in your house?” “Remember that time Dad did such and such?”
- Reminiscence exercises the brain and may help slow deterioration. It’s also emotionally rewarding, especially for people who are otherwise limited in what they can do both mentally and physically. As well, it's a gift to give when it’s hard to know what to give (or how to help).
- The books are short. You don’t have to remember what was on the previous page. The pages don’t have to be read in order.
- The text is large and easy to see. The sentences are simple. However, if there is any difficulty with reading, users can simply look at the pictures. Caregivers can ask questions. What do you see? Does this remind you of anything?
- Memories of ‘the way things were’ are often rewarding to recall. “Remember that time we ... ” “Remember when ... ”
- Thicker pages and page tabs help arthritic fingers and shaky hands.
- Caregivers can enjoy too. Family and other care providers often remember similar experiences – though it may be from the perspective of having been a child at the time. Or having heard about it from others. In that sense, it’s fun to remember together – and it creates a bond.
- Best of all, there are no wrong answers. Whatever the senior remembers or does not remember – it’s all good. Also, the senior may not remember having just read the book a day ago, or this morning, which makes it easy to repeat. Plus, different memories may come up each time. This makes the story enjoyable again and again.
ABOUT THE BOOKS
There are two types of books in the series:
LIFE AS IT WAS
- Takes you back to the prime of the senior’s life – to look at things the way they were ‘once upon a time.’ Yes, life was a lot different in (for example) the 1960s and 1970s.
- Uses old photos and retro design – so it looks like you’re looking at something from ‘back in the day’ (or an old photo album).
- Remember rollerskates and drivein theaters and the first man on the moon? What about station wagons and orange shag carpets? Did you ever own a pet rock or know a hippie? Did you ever use a CB radio? (If you don’t know, that was cutting-edge technology where you could talk to someone in another location while you were in a moving vehicle!)
- Can you believe **some** people think they will one day carry a telephone in their pocket? Yes, that big thing on the wall – in your pocket!!! (that point was for the angel investor – whom we hope just smiled)
- Note – many negative things have also happened in the past. The books will focus on the positive and caregivers will be encouraged to ‘change the topic’ if something negative does come up.
TRADITIONS
- Helps readers remember (and enjoy) common traditions (that still happen today). Christmas. Easter. Valentine’s. Summer Holidays. Winter Holidays. Birthdays.
- Allows seniors and caregivers to reminisce about the traditions we love (when participation may be more limited for the senior today). For example (at Christmas) – decorating a tree, wrapping gifts, singing carols, and sharing a big family meal together.
- Who’s cooking the turkey at your house? Will it be a white Christmas where you live? What’s your favorite memory of the season? Remember when it was hard to fall asleep … the night before Christmas?
OTHER
- Aside from Ellen’s significant experience with dementia and related challenges, she also has a background in marketing and communications. This means she has the skills/knowledge to develop beautiful books – and get them into the right hands.
CONCLUSION
You’d be surprised how interesting things were in the past! And the memories those things stir up.
Read together. Reminisce together. Create comfort and joy in an older person’s life. And – stimulate their brain.
~ Thank you for considering our project in support of seniors (and their families). ~
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