The family reunion is a tradition that is still going strong. Not only does this tradition strengthen family ties, but it’s also beneficial for senior mental wellness.
According to Reunions Magazine, 81% of survey participants revealed that spending quality time with loved ones is the most important takeaway from these events. 60% of survey respondents cited group meals as their favorite memory. 55% of participants plan their reunions at least six months before the event.
Incorporating more senior-themed activities makes for more enriching reunions, like memory sharing projects. Recalling and creating memories are central to reunions and memory care programs offered at senior living communities. Together, these interactions can make a world of difference in senior cognitive health.
Discover more reunion memory ideas for seniors.
Family Gathering Ideas for Invitations
Every aspect of a family reunion can be designed for memory health, including invitations. Hosts can design invitations with old family photos, images of familiar locations, and clipart of specific objects. Paper invitations also strengthen tactile memory in seniors.
Even the handwriting of a loved one can unlock a memory. It could be the handwriting of the senior’s mother or father. Even studying their handwriting can boost memory recall about school, activities, letters, and so forth.
Locations for Memorable Reunions
Choose a location that can spark memories for senior guests. This location could be a spot that senior family members visited frequently in their youth.
Ideas include:
- A city park with a recognizable landscape design
- Churches and spiritual centers
- Meeting halls
- Family homes or vacation homes
- Familiar hotels
- Historical landmarks
After choosing a familiar location, look for any family photos that feature senior guests at that location. Include these photo sharing tips in your reunion invitation to spark more memories.
When planning reunions, invite guests that senior family members recognize. Have a decent mix of ages. Reunions are a great opportunity to learn more about senior family members; this memory-boosting exercise is called storytelling.
Creating Family Bonds through Food
Food plays a vital role in reunion planning. Preparing foods familiar to senior guests can tap into sensory memories, unlocking memories as far back as early childhood. Prepare cherished family recipes that stand out like a specific dessert or pasta dish like lasagna.
You could even incorporate family recipe cards into the reunion decor. Remember the point about old handwriting? Including these sentimental details can unlock emotional and tactile memories.
Bring heirloom recipe cards to the reunion and add them to a table full of other heirlooms of note, including dishes, decor, and photos passed down from generation to generation. Look for pictures of signature meals and dishes; frame them and include them on the table of memories for all to enjoy.
The reunion planning team could create a recipe book full of old family recipes complete with accompanying pictures. Think of it as a family photo cookbook! This type of activity is perfect for seniors in memory care or experiencing the early stages of memory loss.
Memory Tables
Consider creating memory tables around different themes. Family recipes and food traditions are just one idea. Tables can focus on vintage fashion, heirloom watches, and more.
Other ideas include:
- Travel souvenirs passed down
- Favorite movies
- Photos and home movies of family vacations
- Wall art and decor
- Christmas decorations and tree ornaments
- Antique tools
- Photos of vintage cars
- Anniversary and holiday photos
Seniors can hold these objects in their hands to boost sensory memories of important events in their lives. Bring plenty of home movies to share and a projector. Rent out a large space with enough wall space to project movies on the wall; you could also rent a pull-down screen.
Reunion Arts and Crafts
Consider various arts and crafts projects for family reunions. After forming memories, guests can take home these memories to enjoy over the years. Functional art projects like decorating coffee mugs, pottery painting, and framing family photos create memories for family members of all ages.
Kids and adults alike can decorate t-shirts with fabric paint, sequins, and patches. Reunion hosts can print t-shirts and sweatshirts with family photos ahead of time. Hosts can also order custom coffee mugs printed with family photos and names; these are ideal keepsakes for seniors.
Consider the above ideas when creating goodie bags for the reunion. Add gifts that guests can use in their kitchens, cars, bathrooms, or bedrooms.
Other goodie bag items include:
- Custom pens and pencils with family names
- Personalized dishes
- Embroidered hats with surnames
- Paperweights featuring family photos
- Framed family portraits
- Personalized bracelets and wristbands
- Custom water bottles with surnames and photos
Reunion planning teams should consider hiring a professional photographer for the event. The photographer can mail or email family reunion portraits to guests. Seniors can put these pictures on their walls, helping them to connect with a recent memory that recalls memories.
Handprint crafts are a wonderful craft enjoyed by people of all ages, young and old. Younger and older generations can take home handprint ceramics as keepsakes, passing the tradition down to the next generation.
Reunion Follow-Up Ideas for Memory Sharing
Follow up with reunion guests to create even more memories. You could email guests with photos of the event, including memory tables, signature dishes, live entertainment, and professional family portraits. Art projects can also be mailed to guests; think about hiring an engraver to engrave custom rings with surnames.
Mail a letter to every guest thanking them for their attendance, and include additional goodies like personalized gifts. Of course, start planning the next reunion to make a consistent tradition.
Plan Your Next Family Reunion
Planning consistent reunions (and keeping these traditions alive) can help multiple generations. Younger family members will eventually age, and these reunions will play a vital role in their memory recall.
Senior living communities like TerraBella Summit also center memory sharing activities. We encourage family members to visit residents, bringing family reunions everywhere they go. Talk to our team about planning your next visit.
Our leadership team brings a wealth of experience to the Greenville community, including recreational therapy, senior wellness, and public health. Book a tour of our community or call us today to discuss your goals for senior living!
