How Seniors Can Leave a Legacy

August 12, 2015

Between experiencing differences in health levels, moving to a senior retirement community, and changing family dynamics, aging can be a significant—and daunting—transition for seniors. In fact, these facets of growing older can lead seniors to feel isolated, depressed, and without purpose. Of course, as caregivers, you know your senior loved ones still have much to offer. However, getting them to see your perspective may take a little encouragement, and it’s a critical view.

 

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

 

Demonstrating to seniors that they still hold an impactful role in the family can help them develop those essential positive feelings. One way for them to see their influence is to leave a legacy. Here are a few ideas on how to do that:

 

“Seniors should view memoirs as a way to provide perspective.”

Write a Memoir

Passing something down to future generations isn’t just about giving family members a way to remember someone. Leaving a legacy can also serve a helpful purpose. After all, seniors have many years of accumulated wisdom, and passing that perspective along to their grandkids and great-grandchildren can help them live a more satisfactory life.

 

A memoir provides an excellent way for seniors to do this. This self-story differs from an autobiography in that a memoir describes the author’s life as it relates to a person, event, or thing. In contrast, according to Literary Agent Barbara Doyen, an autobiography gives a play-by-play of chronological details. Therefore, seniors should view their memoirs as a way to provide perspective rather than just a timeline of their lives. Of course, they can incorporate details, stories, and milestones, but the most important aspect is that the author can only directly convey unique wisdom.

Collect Recipes for a Cookbook

What were your favorite meals as a kid? Did Mom bake the best meatloaf? Was Dad a pro at making spaghetti? No one cooks like your senior loved ones, and that’s something they are likely proud of. Capitalize on this aspect of your family dynamic by helping them collect recipes for a cookbook. Not only will they see that their meals will be enjoyed for years to come, but it will also provide a fun socializing opportunity. Have your senior loved ones show your kids their way around the kitchen. Together, they can perfect old recipes and create new ones.

Help your senior loved ones leave a legacy.Help your senior loved ones leave a legacy.

 

Build a Family Health History

Family history goes beyond secret recipes and traditions – health should also be considered when passing down information. Essentially a family tree for health, a family health history record lists information about specific members’ health conditions, lifestyle habits, and where they grew up, according to the National Institute of Health. This is helpful for future generations because they can change their lifestyle habits accordingly depending on what ailments tend to run in the genes. For example, heart disease is a common hereditary illness. If grandchildren know their parents and grandparents both had this disease, they can start exercising regularly and eating a better diet to reduce their risk. Your senior loved ones will appreciate knowing they are playing a role in the lives of kids who may not even be born.

Show your senior loved ones how important they are and always will be by helping them leave a legacy.

More Recent Posts

View All News
Edgewood Hermantown building exterior

May 21, 2025

Edgewood in Hermantown is Celebrating 25 Years!

Edgewood Healthcare Hermantown is Celebrating 25th Years, & Hosting a Celebration   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release Contact: Brian Haselman Title: Executive Director, Edgewood Healthcare, Hermantown Phone: 701-738-2000   (Hermantown, MN) Edgewood Healthcare will host a 25th anniversary celebration on Thursday, May 29. The event will feature live entertainment, tours, delicious appetizers and refreshments, and a […]

Read More
Image of two hands and a yellow flower between them

May 14, 2025

Better Mental Health for Seniors: Recognizing the Signs and Finding the Right Support

The Journey to Better Mental Health for Seniors   Mental health is just as important as physical health, but for many older adults, it wasn’t something openly discussed in the past. Thankfully, that’s changing. Today, more people understand that mental health challenges like depression or anxiety are common and that it’s absolutely okay to reach […]

Read More
Senior living residents standing near a supply of food

May 2, 2025

Emergency Preparedness for Seniors: How to Be Ready Before a Disaster

    Are You Ready for an Emergency?   At Edgewood, we have emergency preparedness plans in place to keep residents safe. But if you live in a private home, chances are you don’t have a backup plan—until disaster strikes. And by then, it’s too late, so we wanted to share our helpful tips with […]

Read More
Senior females seated at table

April 22, 2025

Cherish Every Chapter: Finding Friendship and Joy in Senior Living

Struggling with loneliness? You’re not alone. Friendship and connection are key to a happy, healthy life—especially as we age. Discover how senior living makes it easier to build meaningful relationships and stay engaged.

Read More