When you write to the elderly whether your grandparents or neighbors or those in nursing homes, getting to know them and sharing something about yourself and then asking questions can help you be empathetic and encouraging.

Questions You Might Ask to Get to Know Older Folks

Here is an example of a series of questions I might ask while sharing a bit about myself:

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in North Tonawanda (and here I might share a bit about my home town)

What are your favorite hobbies?

My favorite hobbies have been photography and learning about animals.

What about yours?

Some skills I have been blessed with include computer technology and photography.

What have been your skills?

One of my favorite places I have visited is Bingley in England, Yorkshire. (Here I might tell them a bit about why I liked this visit)

What places have you enjoyed visiting?

Favorite memories: I like to think about and relive certain memories (and here I would share a bit about those memories).

What about yours?

One of my favorite things is a letter my dad wrote to me (and here I would explain why and what he said).

What about your favorite things?

My great great grandparents came from Scotland, Yorkshire and France.

What do you know of your family tree roots?

Once you have learned more about your elderly person…

you might then do some research and share about that place or that hobby of theirs and ask more questions in a follow up letter. The engagement in concern and interest in the person’s experiences and life has as its goal encouragement and empathy and your handwritten letters will demonstrate this is from your own mind through a pen and ink to paper.