Joy Boosters

Joy Boosters
120 Ways to Encourage Older Adults
Missy Buchanan
2012 Upper Room Books

How do you put a smile on their face?  How can you cheer up someone experiencing an unwanted move?  How can you encourage an elderly man who must put his wife in memory care?  How can you make the most of a visit with an elderly person?
These are the question Missy responds to in her helpful book.  She has 120 thought provoking suggestions that children and grandchildren can adapt to their situation.  She begins with discussion starters (especially helpful for grandchildren) to learn more about the past of their parent or grandparent.  I know my mom loved to tell the story about how she met my dad and what her childhood was like.  Missy has suggestions on what church members might do if the “adopt” someone to visit at home or in a facility.  She has suggestions for making a move into a facility a blessing time.  If your loved one is a distance away, Missy make suggestions in keeping a relationship active.  Perhaps your loved one would appreciate a special photographic treat.  Trips, music, hobbies or any “doing it together” time help you to honor your loved one.  Laughter and holiday celebration build great memories to hold in your heart.  Missy’s suggestion cover a broad range of possibilities to make time intentional.  Perhaps there are ideas that can help you.  
Missy Buchanan co-authored the book My Story, My Song with Robin Roberts of Good Morning America.  Author of several other books, Missy also writes a monthly column for the United Methodist Reporter, as well as Presbyterians Today, Mature Years, Mature Living and MinistryMatters.com.