What to Talk About With Your Senior

Donna Nichols • September 14, 2023
Two women are sitting on a couch looking at a photo album.

Never be at a loss for words again.


Have you ever been at a loss over what to talk to your parents or grandparents about? If you ask questions such as, how are you, you are asking one sided answer questions. Elderly people love conversing with others, especially family members and often feel left out of conversations.


Here at Assisted Living Made Simple , we came up with some questions to ask that will help them join in the conversation and keep them engaged longer.


1. Did you ever play any tricks on your parents and what was the worst trick? Hopefully this will bring up some funny memories for them and tell you a little more about them. Perhaps you’ll find out you have more in common with them than you realize.


2. What was your first car and how did you pay for it? Maybe your parents or grandparents were really cool and had a Mustang convertible or some really cool car like that. Finding out how they paid for it can tell you something about how they may have struggled to raise enough money to afford a car.


3. Were you ever fired from a job? This may seem like an open-ended question, but you can try to pry if they just answer with a “no”. Try to keep the conversation going with more questions like really, not even close?


4. What is the worst thing you ever got in trouble for? Oh boy! You could be opening a whole bag of worms here!! This subject may keep them talking longer than you like, but at least they’ll be conversing; let them go with it and enjoy!


5. Did you ever face any disadvantages? You may find out they lived through the great recession, or perhaps saw many people die from polio, you never know what you may find out when asking some of these questions.


6. What did you think of me when you first saw me? This is where you can find out the truth about what they thought of you, if they tell you the truth (HAHA)! Actually, this answer may make you cry, so get out the Kleenex prior to asking this question.


7. What did you learn about life? You may find you have learned some of the same things they learned, or you may learn that they really do know what they’re talking about!


8. What five things have you discovered that are most important in life? Here’s another question that may help you learn some very interesting things about your loved one(s). You may find out they’re so much smarter than you think.


9. Did you find the happiness you were looking for? This could be another question to have the Kleenex ready; it could be a real tear-jerker of an answer.


And then the last question . . .


10. What does it take to be happy? Who really knows what it takes to be happy? An elderly person will know what happiness is more than we do because their journey has been a lot longer than ours. Remember, they have been through it all, the good, the bad, the ugly. If anyone knows what it takes to be happy, it could be your parents or grandparents.



When visiting with your elderly relatives and are at a loss of what to talk about, try using some of the above questions to start an engaging conversation. You could learn more about life than you ever expected to and also hear some funny stories and gain incredible wisdom.

An elderly woman and a young woman are laughing together.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.