At Maplewood Senior Living, we understand that the stories we carry define who we are. Each resident in our communities brings with them a lifetime of memories, values, and experiences that deserve to be honored and shared. Storytelling and life in review have emerged as vital tools in senior care, supporting emotional well-being, fostering deeper human connection, and preserving legacies for future generations.
Life review is a therapeutic practice that encourages individuals to reflect on their life’s major events, milestones, and personal growth. For older adults, this process can bring clarity, meaning, and resolution, helping them to make sense of their life journey. Research has shown that life review may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults while also promoting a sense of purpose and psychological resilience.
At Maplewood, life review is not just a program – it’s a philosophy. Whether through formal discussions, guided prompts, or spontaneous conversations, our associates are trained to encourage storytelling as part of daily life. We see firsthand how reflecting on cherished moments empowers residents, strengthens memory recall, and fosters pride in all they’ve accomplished.
To deepen our commitment to life enrichment and intergenerational connection, Maplewood Senior Living has partnered with The Legacy Project, Inc., a non-profit organization that connects college students with older adults to document their life stories. These collaborations culminate in beautifully crafted books – living heirlooms that families can treasure for generations.
Our partnership has expanded across several Maplewood communities, involving students from universities such as Tufts and Kent State. These intergenerational experiences not only offer residents the opportunity to share their wisdom but also allow young people to gain perspective, empathy, and a deeper understanding of aging. The results are transformative for all involved.
As noted in this recent announcement, our collaboration with The Legacy Project is now reaching residents in multiple states, broadening the impact of this powerful initiative.
The power of storytelling extends beyond the residents themselves. Families often express deep gratitude for the opportunity to learn new aspects of their loved one’s life. The keepsake books created through The Legacy Project offer a lasting window into their family’s heritage, helping preserve personal narratives that might otherwise be lost over time.
Care teams also benefit. Understanding a resident’s background allows caregivers to provide more personalized, compassionate care. These shared stories foster stronger bonds between residents and associates, creating a sense of community that is rich, respectful, and deeply human.
While The Legacy Project offers a formal structure for life storytelling, we also promote informal storytelling opportunities throughout our communities. Whether during programming, one-on-one chats, or mealtime conversations, we create space for residents to express themselves, reflect on their past, and connect with others.
In some cases, these stories have also inspired group activities, such as history clubs and multimedia memory projects. For residents living with cognitive impairments, we use simplified prompts and visual cues to facilitate storytelling in ways that feel comfortable and accessible.
To better understand how The Legacy Project is enriching lives at Maplewood, we invite you to watch a short video that captures the voice of one resident who participated in The Legacy Project, his wife, and the student volunteer who transcribed his life story. This video provides a meaningful look at the emotional depth and community-wide impact of this unique international program.
At Maplewood Senior Living, we are proud to support storytelling and life review as essential elements of our care philosophy. By celebrating each individual’s story, we not only validate their experiences but also strengthen the fabric of our communities. Our partnership with The Legacy Project underscores our belief that aging with dignity includes being seen, heard, and remembered.
To learn more about life enrichment programming at Maplewood or our work with The Legacy Project, please visit www.maplewoodseniorliving.com or www.legacyprojectinc.org.
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