How to Record an Elderly Person's Life Stories
Writing: One of the easiest ways to get a senior to capture their life story is to have them write it out longhand. Assembling a small group of seniors in a regular writing group builds camaraderie and support. It's useful to have a list of structured questions. The senior or their family member may wish to post information collected on a web site, where it is easily shared.
"I tell seniors not to be intimidated by feeling that they are not good writers, says gerontologist Levy. "I tell them that they will be surprised what good writers they are, and the feeling of intimidation fades."
Another alternative is the Guided Autobiography, developed by Dr. James Birren, founder of the University Of Southern California School Of Gerontology. The Guided Autobiography writing sessions are usually led by a facilitator who uses structured themes such as "Branching Points," "Money," "Life's Work," and others.
Interviews: Interviewing a senior about his or her life is a tool that may be more powerful in the hands of a caregiver than a family member. Ironically, seniors are often less reluctant to "open up" in front of strangers than family members. Interviews may be recorded on home analog or digital recorders or camcorders. Some families may opt for professional voice or videographer services.
"It's good and bad to interview ones own family. A grandfather will not tell a grandchild all of the nitty-gritty. They clean up the story," says historian Elliott-Scheinberg. "On the flip side, it's a wonderful experience for a student to interview his/her grandparents. It's hard for us to conceptualize our parents as children."
If a caregiver or family member can't or won't interview a senior, there is the option of hiring an experienced professional. One source for families to consider is the Association of Personal Historians, which has a database of about 600 experts who subscribe to a strict code of ethics. Costs and products vary, so the family should discuss all options and get commitments in writing.
"Talking with an independent person frees up the individual to discuss things that may not have been brought up for years," says Wright of History in Progress, who is also a member of the Association of Personal Historians.
"I'll never forget one 80-year old woman who sat on the couch and wept when I presented her story," Wright says. "She kept saying ‘I'm so glad I did this…I'm so glad I did this!'"