When you look to an elder, what do you see? A worn out face and slouching body? A seemingly ancient being with wrinkles defining their features? Or do you see a possibility? A possibility to learn endless stories and life lessons? Elders may seem frail, but in truth they can have quite a lot of power within them, the power of influence and knowledge. Every single person in the world has a story and no matter what it is about, you can learn something from it. Their stories can teach you about their —or your — heritage, past ways of living, myths and legends, and much more. Do you speak to your elders?

By asking elders to tell their stories, you’re not only helping yourself by learning new —and often interesting — things, but you are also helping the elders themselves. Research has shown that reminiscing about family history improves self-esteem, enhances feelings of control and mastery over life, and often results an a new or expanded vision of one's life. Also, when older generations get the chance to tell their stories, their cognition improves, depression can lessen, and behavioral functioning enhances. Telling stories gives elders a sense of legacy being passed on, like their life will be preserved in the end through what they tell you.

I find that every time I ask an older family member a question about their past or about certain cultural traditions, their faces light up and gears in their minds start turning as they recall old memories. Their stories can be funny, educational, and inspiring. Personally, I have heard stories ranging from what schools were like in the 1950’s, how life-long friends met, old marriage traditions, to what it was like hiding while bombs were being dropped down by loud planes overhead and going off in the middle of the night. The things that have been recounted to me were fascinating and could get either heartwarming or frightening at times. I will never forget what I heard and learned.

To conclude, it is very important for elders to have their stories told. It can not only improve their state of cognition but also give them a chance to put their--and perhaps even our--life in perspective. If we don’t talk to our elders, their stories are dying and so are the chances you have at learning things no one else in your family or community may know. So speak to your elders. You could be surprised by what you learn.

To learn more about the positive impact storytelling makes on elders, visit the articles: "Elders need to tell their life stories to preserve their legacies," and "The Power of Telling Family Stories."