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