Nostalgia is a strong emotion that everyone has experienced and can be a helpful aspect of memory care and support for memory loss since it stimulates the brain. While almost anything may evoke nostalgia, films from bygone decades, in particular, can be very impactful. We will look at how watching movies can help older adults who are battling memory loss in this piece. Keep reading if you want to know the benefits of watching movies for your loved one.
Emotional Connection
The majority of people consider movies to be a source of enjoyment and positive distraction since you’re whisked to another universe, or possibly another timeline, for a few hours. While specific recreational activities are an important aspect of memory care, vintage films from decades such as the 1950s serve as stepping stones to help resurrect old memories and foster sentimental attachments with the past.
Allow Conversations
A film viewing with a few other individuals is also valuable for memory care because it provides a conducive environment for socialization. Dementia can make it tough to socialize, yet socializing is an important element of memory care since it increases attention, fosters a feeling of belonging, and even helps to prevent additional memory lapses. In a community setting, reminiscing about vintage films promotes easy conversation and exchange of opinions.
Tips to Ensure a Good Viewing Experience
- Watch Together
Make it a communal activity, regardless of what movie you select! Even if you’re not conversing while viewing, having somebody to enjoy the moment with might help individuals with dementia sit back and enjoy it more since they’re not alone. It’s true quality time for you and your parents to enjoy, so take advantage of it! It also makes it easy to communicate with them about it later, a conversation topic that will make your time together more enjoyable.
- Choose a Familiar Film
Watching a classic film might bring back memories of a happy experience for elders with dementia. Musicals, which were particularly popular through the 1950s, were loved by many adults. Music may be beneficial in relaxing someone anxious, so it’s more than sentimentality that makes this category a smart option in movies for older adults with dementia. Folks of all generations can also learn how to appreciate musicals, providing a chance for grandkids to create memorable moments with their grandparents.
- Opt for Something Positive
For persons with dementia, the most crucial thing is to look for uplifting movies. Depression is frequent in Alzheimer’s patients; in reality, close to half of those with the illness experience substantial depression. It’s simple for dementia patients to become confused about what is genuine and what is a made-up show. Watching something cheery might assist someone with dementia to boost their mood while also avoiding doubt and tension. Any gloomy show or a jump scare should be avoided.
There are many possibilities to pick from because movies are accessible in almost every style and category. When choosing movies for memory care, please remember that tragic or violent films, as well as anything too lengthy or complicated, should be shunned. Anyone with memory loss can benefit from viewing movies, regardless of their preference, as long as the movie is generation-appropriate.
