 Health & Nutrition
Thoughts on
Aging
Life Stories
(2 minutes: 8 seconds)
 MP3 (audio
only)
Audio/Video Script:
Dr. LaVona Traywick
Assistant Professor - Gerontology
[Announcer] Welcome to Thoughts on Aging with Dr. LaVona Traywick,
Assistant Professor of Gerontology with the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
[Dr. LaVona Traywick] Sometimes people find it challenging to talk with older adults. But, from the
very young to the very old, age should be valued and so should the life stories
that accompany a person's age.
Composing a life story allows for the
identification of meaning in life and adds to feelings of well-being regardless
of one's age. Telling your life story is also a way to connect the young and the
old because life stories not only take a look at the life that was already
lived, but also project a person into the future towards the opportunities,
enjoyments, and achievements yet to come.
Mutual storytelling offers a number of benefits for connecting multiple
generations, such as:
- It links the present and the past and creates a sense of
continuity
- It preserves family history, cultural heritage and health history and
- It keeps family stories and traditions alive.
For younger children, questions are a good way to get help them to tell a story.
Ask questions such as:
- What do you like most about school and what would you like
to change? or
- What is the absolute best gift you gave someone?
People tend to associate legacy with the giving of material goods, but
research identifies additional categories of legacy that extend beyond heirlooms
and possessions. Stories are a great way to leave a legacy.
I'm Dr. LaVona Traywick and those are just a few "Thoughts on Aging".
[Announcer] Thank you for listening to Thoughts on Aging with Dr. LaVona
Traywick. To learn more about this and other topics, contact your local county
Cooperative
Extension Service office.
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