Every year, a quarterly event takes place in Brookline, Massachusetts, at the restored Coolidge Corner Theatre, where seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s are invited to watch scenes from classic films to improve their memory. The event titled “Meet Me at the Movies”, is guided by a moderator who prompts discussion in between clips asking audience members to share their memories and feelings about what they’ve seen. By doing so participants are compelled to reminisce, in turn eliciting feelings of nostalgia, an emotion known to promote memory improvement.
It is quite interesting how the simple act of watching a movie can impact one’s mental health. Watching a movie is already a great activity as is, but it’s even greater knowing that it can help a loved one. This activity can be done at home with resources that are already at home. Family members of seniors with memory impairment can consider creating their own “Meet Me at the Movies” at home! Here are a few tips to help maximize the experience:
- Ask your loved one what their favorite films were growing up. Then out of those films, suggest watching one that is more on the lighthearted side of things. Avoid watching films that are too complicated or dark.
- Ask them before, after, or even during the movie how old they were when it came out and what they remember doing during those times. You can even ask detailed questions such as, who were you dating at the time, what grade they were in, etc.!
- Lastly, at the end of the showing ask them what their favorite scenes were, how it made them feel, and why? This last step is crucial in activating that feeling of nostalgia and with the buildup of questions that came before it, is sure to reignite some beautiful memories.
Whether the movie choice is ‘Casablanca’ or ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, remember to always stay engaged. Even the shortest of scenes have the potential to bring about the fondest of memories and once those very memories are brought back to life you can be sure to expect the smiles to come after.
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By: Ryan Watanabe
Placement Specialist at WellPath Partners
