Preserve Your Family Memories

Donna Nichols • September 14, 2021

We often hear family members say, I sure wish I could hear mom or dad’s voice again, or if only I could hear that story one more time.

Well, you can, next time your parents or grandparents start telling a story, push record or video them on your phone.

This way you will have it forever; you can download it to a computer, or a jump drive and have it for the rest of your life and your children’s lives.

Preserving Family Memories with these resourses

What are some of the stories you will want to record?

If you have something specific you want to know about, be sure to ask them and make sure you record it; don’t depend on your memory!

In case you don’t have anything specific in mind, here are some key topics that may help:

  • Lifelong lessons and anecdotes
  • Treasured stories
  • Funny stories
  • Turning points
  • Joyful times
  • Sad times
  • Family traditions
  • Struggles and challenges
  • Proud moments
  • Things they wish they could change
  • Family history of other children
  • Family history of grandparents

The above are just some of the things that have probably made the largest impressions on your parents and they have made the biggest impact on their lives. You may find you have a lot in common or find things about them you didn’t even know.

If you are downsizing your parents or having to move them to a memory care facility , you may come across some of the following items that you want to hold on to since they play a large part in your family history.

  • Family photos, albums
  • Diaries
  • Mementos
  • Letters
  • Books
  • Family records
  • Photographs
  • VCR tapes/DVDs/CDs
  • Scrapbook, memory books

Once you have the above gathered, consider digitizing everything.

Old photos and letters fade, VCR tapes can be turned into DVDs or CDs and mementos can be stored in a safe place so you can go back to them whenever you’d like.

On Facebook, they have this link where you can view your past year in photos. I have done this several times and think it is a fabulous idea!

It shows everything I have posted for the year and I get to look back at all of the milestones and memories! It then gives you the option to create a photo book and I did this three years in a row.

It was the best thing I ever did; those three years held some of the most precious memories I had and now I can look back on them whenever I choose, not just when Facebook decides to throw them up on my wall.

This is a very inexpensive way to preserve your memories and keep a lasting record of all your accomplishments. The photos are very good quality and the cover of the book is a nice glossy coating. If I remember correctly, I think my books were only around $25.00 and I had approximately thirty pictures in each book.

The next book will be one of my mother and myself; I want those photos forever!

As you can see, there are many ways to preserve family memories; no matter how you choose to preserve yours, please preserve them. That is the important thing, that you preserve your family memories and history.

Your children, their children, their children and their children may want to know all about the history of their family one day and YOU will have preserved it for them to cherish.

If you’re looking for other senior living articles and resources then click here.

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Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.