Does it have to be a digital biography ? With the advancement of technology , recording equipment is less expensive – why not ? The study contrasted the impact of written biographies with digital biographies and the results were predictable – the follow-up psychological tests revealed that reconstructing the past in digital form brought the memories back with more intensity and clarity , maximizing the impact to the participant ’ s sense of self and well-being . But of course – more of your senses are engaged .
The whole process should be a lot of fun . But if you are dealing with an older adult who very strongly maintains that what she remembers is how it was or has a form of dementia – please choose your battles . Make it a picture of how they want it to be . It does not need to be an accurate , chronological , realistic picture of how it was . This is , after all , for them and for the family to enjoy , not fight about . Remember the goals here – to help them
re-awaken memories and boost self pride as they strengthen or recapture their sense of self , to empower them to keep going or to try new things . If Mom wants to remember you winning the first prize for twirling a baton , so be it .
Don ’ t upset her by reminding her that your baton flew up in the air and reshaped someone ’ s forehead !
Be prepared . Viewing the biography especially the first time can unearth a range of emotions . While many may find joy in reminiscing about the good ol ’ days , this can also cause sadness for days gone by . With those facing dementia challenges , it can lead to frustration if your Mom thinks you forgot an important event , or misrepresented a joyous occasion with the wrong choice of pictures . Should that happen , just calmly redirect her and engage her in the search for the cherished photos . Overall , the researchers observed a positive outcome .
Whether you use a digital biography as a fun way to bond , a great way to showcase that which you love about someone , an excellent way to help a cynical teenager appreciate his grandparents , a way to help someone remember how special they are , or you use it to help light the corners of someone ’ s mind , don ’ t delay , do it … while you can .
SOURCES :
Crete-Nishihata , M ., Backer , R . M ., Massumi , M , & Ptak , D , Campigotto , R ., Kaufman , L . D . Brickman , A . M ., Turner , G . R ., Steinerman , J . R ., Black , S . E . ( 2012 ) Reconstructing the past : Personal memory technologies are not just personal and not just for memory . Human-Computer Interaction , Vol . 27 , pp . 92-123
Massimi , M ., Berry , E ., Browne , G ., Smyth , G ., Watson , P ., Baecker , R . M . ( 2008 ). Neuropsychological
Rehabilitation , 18 ( 5 / 6 ), 742-765 F A L L 2 0 1 4 M O R G A N H I L L T O D A Y
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