Our Pastimes in Past Times: Lively dementia-friendly, vision-friendly illustrated reading to prompt reminiscence

The fourth book in the Large Print ‘Read and Reminisce’ series. Do you find it hard to connect with a loved one with concentration problems? Is maintaining conversation tricky? Can you see that they long for more engagement and stimulation? The solution: sharing a book of reflections on times past, created by an experienced adult education author, with input from a wonderful Assisted Living and Dementia Lifestyle Coordinator. We made our own fun. We spent a lot of time outdoors, playing games like Hide-and-Seek with our brothers, sisters and friends. As toddlers, we were often put in a playpen to keep us safe. When we went out, we might have to wear a harness or safety reins, to stop us running away. Racing carts could be made from the remains of a discarded pram. We hurtled down hills with confidence. No helmets or crash protection in those days, of course. Too much time with your ‘head in a book’ and you might be sent outside to play, or asked about your homework! Your loved one likely will remember these – or similar pastimes from way back when. Be prepared for cries of, “Oh, no, WE didn’t call it that…!” as well as “We played that too!” or, “I got into trouble when I…” Our Pastimes in Past Times is a thoughtful gift or therapy tool for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, or regaining reading skills after stroke, as well as hospital patients and residents in aged care. In Our Pastimes in Past Times , you’ll discover: Three short paragraphs of chatty “Back in the day…” on each left-hand page, in big bold lettering (22 point font). An evocative photograph to match each memory, to trigger more recollections and reminiscence. General memories that reflect more of a British/Australian/NZ experience, but with reference to other names for games, for readers in the US, Canada or elsewhere. Descriptions of activities that both urban and rural kids enjoyed. All presented in a colourful, slim, light, 8 x 10 paperback, easy to hold even for frailer adults. No reference to dementia (or other illness) anywhere inside the book, or on the cover. The back cover says simply: “Enjoy these tales of the ‘good old days’ and share your own stories. Keep your mind active as you read aloud or read along!” Also perfect in waiting rooms, memory care programs and day activity centres, and for the vision impaired. (For those would find this book too complex, why not look at the Illustrated Traditional Sayings series?) You might even use this book as a springboard to help your loved one (or a group) create or dictate their own ‘Our Pastimes in Past Times’ booklet, to share with grandchildren. Or consider a ‘Pastimes’ activity morning, with dominoes, jacks, and other old-time games. If you value spending meaningful time with a loved one, giving them the chance to share their knowledge, and hearing about what matters to them, you’ll enjoy this book – together. Order your copy of Our Pastimes in Past Times to create that connection! —- ISBN: 9781922191694 | ISBN10: 1922191698 | ISBN-13: 978-1922191694