How to Talk to Seniors
#2 Conversation Options
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"I've always been curious about [a hobby or interest they've hinted at]. How did you get into [it]?"
Show interest in their passions and encourage them to share their journey.
"What's one piece of [advice / wisdom] you'd give to someone [my age / just starting out]?"
Directly ask for their guidance, showing respect for their experience.
"I really appreciate your perspective on [topic they mentioned]. What led you to that [conclusion / belief]?"
Acknowledge their wisdom and encourage them to share the reasoning behind their thoughts, making them feel valued.
"I was just thinking about [current event / general topic]. What are your thoughts on [it]?"
Introduce a neutral, relevant topic and ask for their opinion, demonstrating you value their input.
"You seem to really enjoy [activity they're doing]. What do you find most [rewarding / enjoyable] about it?"
Observe their engagement and ask about their motivations, demonstrating attentiveness.
"I've heard a lot about [historical event / cultural shift]. What was it like to live through [that time]?"
Invite them to share firsthand accounts of historical periods, enriching your understanding and making them feel like a valuable resource.
"It sounds like you've seen a lot of changes in [area, e.g., technology, the neighborhood]. What's been the most surprising [change / development] for you?"
Tap into their lived experience and knowledge of history, inviting them to reflect on the past.
"What's a [memory / experience] that you often find yourself thinking back on?"
Invite them to share a cherished memory, which can lead to rich storytelling.
"It's interesting how [something specific they said] connects to [another topic]. Do you see a lot of [similarities / differences] between them?"
Show you're making connections in the conversation and encourage deeper thought.
"This [place / activity] reminds me of [something]. Have you been coming here for a long time?"
Connect to the shared environment or activity and inquire about their history with it.
"That's a beautiful [item of clothing / accessory / piece of jewelry]. Does it have a special [meaning / story]?"
Offer a sincere compliment and open the door for a personal anecdote or explanation.
"That's a [lovely / interesting] [story / experience]. Can you tell me more about [that / it]?"
Express genuine interest in something they've shared and invite them to elaborate. This shows you're listening and value their insights.