I’ve spent several years working with older people, and I’ve seen how powerful memories can be. A familiar song, a photograph, an old recipe or simply talking about life ‘back then’ can open up conversations, bring a smile, and help people feel connected.
I’ve gathered together some of the reminiscence ideas and activities that link with what I try to do with The Curiosity Case. They’re practical, easy to adapt and designed for families, care homes, and anyone supporting an older person.
Whether you’re looking for a simple conversation starter, an activity to share with a group, or ideas to help someone explore and celebrate their own memories, I hope you’ll find something here that feels useful.
Reminiscence activities for care homes
In my experience reminiscence can be a wonderful way to encourage conversation, connection and a sense of belonging in care homes. The best activities don’t need to be complicated. Often, it’s something familiar — a song, a photograph, an old object or a favourite smell — that brings memories to life.
Here are just a few ideas:
- MUSIC AND MEMORIES: Play popular songs from different decades and talk about dances, concerts, favourite singers and where the music takes people
- PHOTOGRAPHS: Use photographs of familiar places, streets, shops, holidays or everyday life to spark conversation
- A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE: Choose a decade or period, such as the 1950s or 1960s, and explore the clothes, food, music, television and everyday life of the time
- NOSTALGIC OBJECTS: A vintage kitchen utensil, telephone, sewing item, toy or piece of clothing can provide a wonderful starting point for stories
- FOOD AND RECIPES: Talk about favourite family meals, baking, Sunday lunches and foods that bring back memories. You could even make or taste something together
- SCHOOL DAYS: Encourage residents to share memories of school, favourite subjects, teachers, school dinners and childhood games
- HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OUT: Explore favourite holiday destinations, seaside trips, camping, family outings and memorable journeys
EVERY CONTRIBUTION IS VALUABLE
I always try to remember that reminiscence isn’t about getting the ‘right’ answer. It’s about giving people the opportunity to share what matters to them, at their own pace.
A good reminiscence session can be as simple as putting a few familiar objects on a table and seeing where the conversation goes.
Reminiscence activities AT HOME
You don’t need lots of equipment or a carefully planned session to enjoy reminiscence at home. Some of the best conversations can happen naturally over a cup of tea, while looking through an old photograph album, listening to favourite music or sorting through familiar belongings.
I’ve found that simple, everyday things can provide wonderful prompts for older people to share their stories and memories
- PHOTOGRAPHS: Ask about the people, places and occasions in the photographs and let the stories unfold naturally
- LISTEN TO FAVOURITE MUSIC: Play songs from their younger years and ask what they remember about the music, dances, singers or where they used to hear it
- EXPLORE OLD OBJECTS: Find familiar household items, ornaments, tools or clothing and ask what they were used for or whether they had something similar
- TALK ABOUT FAMILY TRADITIONS: Discuss birthdays, Christmases, weddings, Sunday lunches and other occasions that were important to the family
- SHARE YOUR MEMORIES TOO: Reminiscence works both ways. Sharing your memories can make the conversation feel natural rather than like you’re asking a list of questions
Most importantly, there’s no need to test someone’s memory or correct every detail. I try to follow their lead, listen with interest and enjoy the stories that come up. Sometimes the unexpected memories are the most precious ones.
‘Each time an individual tells part of his/her life story, those who listen are like a mirror, reflecting and affirming their lives’
‘Memories are the treasures we keep locked deep within our souls, to keep our hearts warm when we are lonely’
‘Music lights up emotional memories, everyone remembers songs from their past’
‘Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us’
Gentle phrases I use to encourage memories
Over the years, I’ve found that the way we invite someone to remember can be just as important as what we ask. I tend to use gentle, open phrases that give people time and space to follow their own memories.
- “I wonder if you…”
This is one of my favourite phrases. It gently invites someone to explore a memory without putting them under pressure to come up with an answer.
- WHY IT HELPS: It feels like an invitation rather than a test, leaving the person free to respond in their own way
- “Do you remember…?”
A simple phrase, but one I use gently rather than expecting a definite answer. Sometimes the question itself is enough to bring a memory to the surface.
- WHY IT HELPS: It gives the person a starting point while making it perfectly acceptable if the memory doesn’t come straight away.
- “Tell me a little bit about…”
This phrase encourages someone to talk rather than search for a particular fact or answer.
- WHY IT HELPS: It keeps the conversation open and allows the person to choose what they want to share.
- “I’d love to hear more about that.”
I use this when someone has started telling a story that seems meaningful to them.
- WHY IT HELPS: It shows genuine interest and encourages them to continue without making them feel that they are being questioned.
- “I’m happy just to listen.”
This is perhaps the most important message of all.
- WHY IT HELPS: Reminiscence doesn’t need to be about getting somewhere or completing an activity. Simply being interested, present and willing to listen can create a meaningful connection.
For me, reminiscence has never been about finding the perfect question or getting every detail right. It’s about creating a little space for memories to emerge, listening with genuine interest and allowing the conversation to take its own path. Sometimes a few gentle words are all that’s needed to unlock a story, a feeling or a moment that might otherwise have remained tucked away. And often, it’s the simple act of listening that means the most.
Five ways to encourage memories
You don’t need to be an expert to encourage someone to reminisce. A relaxed approach, genuine interest and a little patience can make all the difference.
- CREATE A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE Choose a comfortable time and place where there are few distractions and the person feels at ease
- GIVE THEM TIME Memories don’t always come immediately. Allow plenty of time for someone to think, pause and find their words without feeling rushed
- SHOW GENUINE INTEREST Listen carefully and respond with interest. A simple smile, nod or gentle follow-up can encourage someone to continue
- FOLLOW THEIR LEAD Let the conversation develop naturally rather than trying to steer it towards a particular memory. One memory may lead to another in unexpected ways
- NOTHING IS WRONG Reminiscence is about connection, not testing someone's memory. Avoid correcting or quizzing, and focus instead on the feelings and stories being shared
FOR MORE FREE RESOURCES FROM CLARE AND THE CURIOSITY CASE PLEASE VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
