The boy who cried wolf and the tortoise and the hare have one thing in common – they teach a lesson. But stories don’t have to be fiction to teach you about life. 

Grace the Dog shares true stories about adventures all over our county in the senior program Living with Grace. Each chapter in the award-winning six-book series offers many sweet, inspiring lessons. 

The benefits of storytelling for seniors reach far beyond teaching a lesson, though. Here are other valuable results of storytelling that make it a highly effective method of engagement:

• Demonstrates navigating change easier because every good story has some type of conflict resolution, so you can see different ways to solve problems and successfully deal with change.

• Inspires memories and reminds you of wonderful experiences, which fosters happiness.

• Encourages creativity as you enjoy the illustrations in your book and the details of the adventures.

• Provides stimulation for your mind when you hear your narrator’s voice and concentrate on the stories being shared, which is very good for your brain health.

• Reduces stress because it takes you away from the troubles of the here and now, and offers a fun, exciting story to jump into.

• Explains ideas in meaningful ways that people can relate to and therefore feel connected through.(1)

The benefits you get from listening to or sharing a story can be very personal. If you are hearing a story for the first time that touches you, or sharing one that has deep meaning for you, the experience of storytelling can benefit you in an almost therapeutic way.

Why Living With Grace is a Perfect Fit for Your Life Enrichment or Activity Program

All of the benefits of storytelling are found in the Living with Grace program. It is a perfect fit for any activity calendar because it:

• Includes 3 sets of 6 books full of true adventures!

• Is evergreen – it can be scheduled for any time of day, during any season.

• Needs no preparation time. Once you have watched the training video, all you need are the books.

• Comes with a program facilitator guide to show how to get the most out of the program.

• Provides sensory stimulation with soft Grace the Dog plush.

Living with Grace compliments any existing activity program because it can be enjoyed by residents in any level of care. All you need to do is grab the books, Grace the Dog plush, and get ready for an adventure!

To learn more about Living with Grace or to place your order, please visit www.EverybodyLovesGrace.com today!

Reference

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6209845/

Picture yourself petting a friendly black and tan dog while gazing down into the Grand Canyon. Imagine that same brave dog alerting you to a bear on your driveway in the Colorado mountains, or exploring the Alamo with you during a trip to Texas. Adventures come alive in your mind when you read or participate in storytelling, no matter where you are.

Storytelling is the art of using words to transport you to a different place without ever having to leave the room. It transcends physical limitations and age groups. And when storytelling is done through the eyes of a kind, loving dog, it inspires listeners to lead a happier, fuller life.

This is why seniors love Living With Grace, a program that uses storytelling to share the true adventures of Grace the Dog. The stories take listeners to colorful places where she meets interesting people. 

The Importance of Storytelling

Sharing a story is one of the very best ways to engage seniors. Research shows that the act of telling stories is a central element for establishing human connections.(1)

Other reasons why sharing a story is important include:

• Recording history. When true stories, like those of Grace the Dog, are written down or shared through storytelling, the wonderful memories are preserved and not forgotten.

• Raising awareness. Stories are powerful, and when you use them to illustrate how kindness should be shown to all people, as Grace does, you use them to change your world for the better.

• Regaining Control. Many seniors feel like their autonomy is reduced as they age, but listening to and sharing stories helps them realize they have a degree of control over how they perceive their surroundings.

Sharing stories is important because it reaches across cultures and ages, and not only defines people but unifies them, too. 

How Does Storytelling Bring People Together? 

When someone asks if they can share a story with you, your curiosity probably gets the best of you and you lend them your ear for a bit. Curiosity is just one way that storytelling brings people together.

Other ways storytelling brings people together include:

• Sparking conversations about their past, their families, or their careers. Sometimes the best part of a storytelling program is the conversations that happen after the story ends!

• Illustrates commonality– did you have a dog like Grace, too? Tell me about her! Or maybe you had other pets that you’d like to share stories about. Caring for animals is something many people have in common.

• Increases empathy by connecting with characters in a story.(2) This is beneficial for your mental health and creates a bond between you and all the people participating in the storytelling.

A good story draws you in, just like a smiling dog wagging her tail draws you to her for a belly rub. And when the adventures in the story unfold, you and everyone with you in the room are transported to Utah, Pennsylvania, or Washington D.C. 

Living with Grace provides the perfect setting for inspiring seniors to share their stories. It starts with Grace’s adventures, and by following the program guide, you can prompt participants to engage and finish the activity with lively conversations.

If you would like to enhance your activity program with a proven method of engagement your seniors will love, order Living with Grace today!

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8179166/
2. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-storytelling-is-good-for-your-mental-health-5199744

Storytelling provides one of the most powerful tools to keep seniors engaged and alert, multiple studies have shown. 

And everyone loves a good adventure story, right?

Grace the Dog shares her adventures from all over our country in the award-winning book series Everybody Loves Grace. Now, it is available as a comprehensive senior activity program Living With Grace.

If you’d like the chance to see what an adventure with Grace is all about, you’re in luck!

On June 8th, I’ll be giving away 5 copies of book 1 of Everybody Loves Grace with the facilitator guide for Living with Grace for FREE!

All you have to do is fill out this form to qualify for the drawing. I hope you’ll join me as I announce the winner LIVE!

Living With Grace includes 3 copies of all 6 books, Grace the Dog Plush, audio books, a training video, and facilitator guides. 

“The guidebook’s thoughtful prompts allow readers to stay fully present and, in the moment, eliminating the need to worry about what to discuss or how to spark conversation. It provides a structured framework for discussions, ensuring that every interaction is purposeful and enriching.” -CarePartners Dementia Day Center in Houston

To learn more about Living With Grace, please visit my website at www.EverybodyLovesGrace.com today!