Enjoying Nostalgia as We Age

Nostalgia is a sentimental longing or affection for the past, often for a period of time or place with pleasant personal associations. A nostalgic moment can be triggered by:

• Life transitions, such as moving or retiring, that stir up comforting memories to help us cope with major changes
• Sensory experiences that remind us of fond memories or familiar things, such as the smell of fresh apples bringing you back to your grandmother’s homemade apple pies
• Social interactions that encourage reflection or allow you to reminisce about the past with others

There are also three distinct types of nostalgia people can experience:

• Cultural Nostalgia: memories of a time you felt more connected to your culture
• Personal Nostalgia: memories of specific people or events from your life
• Social Nostalgia: memories of a time you felt more connected to others

“We love how close Wesley Glen is to The Ohio State University. I love taking my husband to the stadium instead of the park sometimes and connecting him with his OSU buddies from back in the day.”

-Bobbie, Wesley Glen resident

The Benefits of Nostalgia

As we get more nostalgic with every year, it’s great that there are many benefits that come with the experience:

• A sense of self, authenticity, fulfillment, and meaning in life
• Coping skills through grief and major life transitions
• Improved communication skills, confidence, emotional strength, and overall mood
• Support networks through relationships with people who have similar memories, experiences, and connections

Finding Balance With Nostalgia

Sometimes there can be too much of a good thing, so enjoy nostalgia with healthy moderation by:

• Appreciating memories with mindfulness and gratitude instead of getting lost in them
• Creating networks that allow you to make nostalgia a shared experience, such as friends, support groups, and mental health professionals
• Living in the present and making space for new connections, experiences, and memories
• Reflecting on lessons from the past to guide you in creating a better life in the present and future
• Using memories as a source of resilience and confidence during transitions and hard times, rather than longing for the past

Nostalgic Programs in Senior Living

• Creative classes that allow residents to express themselves and share their experiences in an artistic way
• Field trips and outings to local spots with history and significance
• Memory boxes or reminiscence therapy that supports residents with memory impairments like Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Movie nights and concerts that showcase familiar films and music that residents can reminisce over
• Storytelling groups where residents can share something about themselves with their peers
• Themed events that appreciate a decade, celebrate a holiday, or highlight the unique cultures of residents

Explore how you can make the most of retirement in our ebook, Lifestyle Opportunities in Senior Living Communities!

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.