20 questions to ask your parents, grandparents and older loved ones about their lives

One of the benefits of aging is acquiring a wealth of wisdom and experience. But all too often older loved ones’ insights and stories go unshared as family or professional caregivers, as well as grandchildren, are unsure how to bridge the generation gap. 

“When in the presence of an aging loved one, it might seem daunting to connect with them or at least find something in common,” says Amy Fuchs, licensed clinical social worker and founder of The Elder Expert, in Saddle River, New Jersey. “One way to counteract that is to ask your aging loved one open-ended questions about their life. In many ways, you might find their openness enlightening and insightful. Perhaps you’ll even recognize that you have more in common than you realize.” 

Asking questions that encourage older adults to talk about their lives can help forge a new connection or strengthen an existing bond. At the same time, it may help them feel valued or better understood. 

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