A Manual for Refreshing Memories
Written By: George N. Peabody

George N. Peabody

Features of Mem-A-Rem
Mem-a-Rem - Memories and Reminiscences was borne out of A.A.R.P. Project called reminiscence in the late eighties and early nineties. Volunteers were trained to spend at least one hour per week for a year interviewing individuals in a private setting or a retirement facility discussing one's life and experiences - life review.

Most times the results were positive. Participants were enthused with the knowledge that they indeed made some contribution to this world. Initially I wrote these questions to use in the prepping for the weekly visit.

Mem-a-Rem is not limited by age. It has usage and appeal for all ages - some usages are:

• It can give color or illumination to family history and its legacy
• A tool for writers of biography and autobiography
• Group Discussion for therapy or fun
• To initiate and stimulate conversations
• For couples to know and understand each other
• To cross generational lines, tying families together
• Subject matter for teachers of all grades - creative writing topics
• Hospice workers - easing the life of terminal patients
• Reunions - family gatherings
• As a warm economical gift
• Families and care workers informally note patients recalled memories to be passed on to survivors
• A rich and meaningful resource for activity directors
• Helping to keep oral history alive and well

About the Manual:
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have one more conversation with a grandparent? Family history that has been lost can never be recaptured. Why wait any longer? Mem-A-Rem is a book especially designed to preserve family history, encourage therapeutic life review, cross generational lines, or just entertain a loved one.

Mem-A-Rem was written with the hope of creating one more opportunity for family and friends to learn about their loved ones in a one-on-one, group, or conversational setting. The manual is composed of thirty-three topics with ten questions per topic.

Mem-A-Rem can be used in retirement home by group leaders. Psychotherapists have used such methods for years; this manual can be a valuable additional tool. Peabody says, "Medical studies show that talking about the past can facilitate healthy responses in the elderly." When recorded these memories can also be a great legacy to their families.

Purpose Of The Manual:
The purpose of the manual is to aid in recall, to reveal and document family history, and to encourage therapeutic life review. The topics are designed to stimulate stories of life's events, explore individuals attitudes, and add to our understanding of daily life in earlier times.

Method of Use:
Mem-A-Rem can be used in several ways, with groups or by an individual. The book creates an opportunity to learn about other people in a one to one, group, or conversational setting. Usage naturally promotes warmth, fun, and enjoyment.

About the Author:
George N. Peabody
Having had a variety of life experiences plus a potpourri of community services, curious George has been aptly suited to learn and use the A.A.R.P. Reminiscences Program. That is: visiting in various settings and eliciting from participants over time their life stories. Teaching pupils from five years of age to ninety, George has a knack for learning about others while honoring each for their individuality, dignity, and presence.