The Beech Group

HOW CAN WE CAPTURE MEMORIES FROM OUR YOUTH
I have recently read an article about how technology is unlocking people’s memories of their youth. This works through an interactive computer system, showing sequences from a time when the viewer may have been young. This is a quicker and comparatively time efficient way of overcoming memory loss in the elderly.
Having recently worked with a lady in her eighties and another in his seventies I have been reminded that one of the most important things that people of the third age need is to be talked to and listened to. This may be more time-consuming than an interactive television system, but I would contend that it is more rewarding for both talker and listener.
We have become a society where youth is praised above all else and while I think it important that youth is given every opportunity to succeed, I think it should not be at the expense of the more mature.
We are part of an aging population and the greatest scourge is Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia and whilst I accept that this is an illness of the elderly I do think that to some extent we would be able to postpone the symptoms by giving people a sense of being valued and revered for their knowledge and wisdom.
They have so much to contribute and in my Practice when I listen to their stories I see the people become youthful again and light up with their special memories.
I believe that many people feel useless and a waste of space because often their families are leading such busy lives that they do not have time to sit, even for a short time, to talk to them about what they are doing and ask their opinion on issues that they may be wrestling with. Very often Mother or Grandmother has dealt with something similar and can pass on the benefit of their experience. This exchange can bring about a better understanding and a good feeling in both.
I consider it a real privilege that people come to talk to me about their problems, but I am aware that there are many who suffer alone and unwanted just because they are no longer young and physically able.