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Pen Your Legacy: Creative Writing for Your Golden Years

Seniors have a lifetime of stories to share, and sharing these stories can positively impact the mental and physical health of older adults. Writing is a cognitively stimulating activity that's perfect for seniors. Not only is it creative, but it also helps with memory, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Psychology Today notes the transformative power of memoir writing. Similar to volunteering or discovering a new skill, writing one's life story reignites a sense of purpose. A memoir is also a fulfilling goal that instills focus, improving attention in seniors.

Discover tips for writing a memoir and additional benefits to penning a life story.

Memoir Writing Ideas for Beginners

The creative ideas for memoirs are endless. The traditional memoir format is just one option.

Seniors can share life stories in the following ways:

  • Poetry
  • Children's books
  • Visual art
  • Local history
  • Collections of short stories
  • Fictionalized accounts (not technically a "memoir")
  • Monologues
  • Theatrical plays

Seniors with film experience or access to recording equipment can make short films inspired by autobiographical themes; grandkids and family members can also help with this endeavor. Even smartphones are advanced enough to create movie-quality videos, especially iPhones. Upload finished multimedia to websites and social media sites like YouTube to share these stories with the world.

Life stories are long. It's okay to write and publish memoirs in sections.

For example, the first memoir book could be about childhood. The next book could follow the journey of young adulthood. A third book in the series can illustrate life in adulthood, including memorable experiences and accomplishments.

Storytelling Techniques for Seniors

The best way to start creative writing is to brainstorm. Have plenty of brainstorming tools ready. Pencils and paper are a go-to; whiteboards, sticky notes, and index cards also work as tools.

Next, tinker around with different brainstorming formats until finding one that fits.

The classic bubble chart is a good fit. This template starts with a main idea in a large center bubble with supporting ideas (or subpoints) written in smaller bubbles around the primary idea.

For example, the main bubble could represent "childhood" with the smaller bubbles representing a different event from childhood, from memorable teachers to unforgettable experiences.

Jotting down ideas as they come is another classic method, also known as free writing. These creative writing exercises are ideal for journals and composition books. Whiteboards are also perfect for free writing, especially in large font.

Seniors are encouraged to use large whiteboards in combination with other tools like sticky notes and magnets. There are also journals designed specifically for memoir writing and brainstorming, formatted with notes sections, spaces for photos, and dividers.

Another effective brainstorming tool is voice recording. This tool is ideal for seniors who may be struggling with arthritis or are better able to verbalize ideas than write them down. Simple tape recorders are available to purchase; smartphones also have voice recording features.

Create a Memoir Outline

After brainstorming ideas, create sections for the memoir. Arrange these sections in an outline format starting with the introduction and ending with the conclusion. The prologue, if applicable, may be written after the memoir is complete.

A chronological outline is the easiest to organize. Some memoirs also jump around in flashbacks. Fictionalized life stories can also take creative liberties with formatting; it's important to note that these types of books aren't considered "memoirs" since they fictionalize parts of the writer's life for creative effect.

Under each outline header, create a list of bullet points to cover. This is a good opportunity to find balance in the outline, and ultimately, the memoir itself. A bulletin board can be helpful here.

Gather any media to include in the memoir, like family photos and media clippings. A "video memoir" could include:

  • Home movies
  • Media stories
  • Other documentation of interesting events

Writing a Rough Draft for a Memoir

It may take a few (or several) rough drafts before the final draft is complete. Use the outline as a guide; writers may also turn the outline into a task list, checking off even header and bullet points as they're completed.

Senior writers may write a rough draft on paper first before typing it up on a computer. Writers may also create a voice recording of a rough draft and transfer it to a word processor using a speech-to-text tool. There are online conversion tools for this purpose.

Seniors are welcome to take memoir writing courses online or in person. This route may provide much-needed structure and guidance for some writers. Memoir-writing books are also available to guide seniors through the process.

It helps to have an extra pair of eyes during this process. Writing courses allow seniors to connect with fellow writers who can read critically for errors and improvement. Professional proofreaders are also available; seniors may also ask friends in their community and family to read.

Grammar tools are also available to assist with the process. The most popular online grammar tool is Grammarly. Writers may use a free version to screen for basic mistakes or wording issues; seniors may also upgrade to a pro version.

The Final Step to Writing a Memoir

Keep perfecting the last draft until it's complete; this is the final draft. The next step is to put it out into the world.

Seniors may self-publish memoirs online and sell them online on sites like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Some self-publishing platforms automatically syndicate book listings for these sites. Amazon offers direct publishing through its platform; there are also sites like LuLu and Smashwords.

Writers may also print out hardcopy versions and sell them directly to local bookstores or simply distribute them among friends and family.

Share Your Life Story Today

Don't wait to share your life story with the world. Use the above guide as a tool for brainstorming, formatting, and writing your unique journey. Writing a memoir has never been easier with the help of online tools.

Signal Mountain Senior Living wants to assist you in your journey to becoming a writer. We offer a safe and comfortable community that inspires creativity, interaction, and new hobbies for seniors. Our team of senior living professionals is committed to helping Chattanooga seniors live their best lives.

Book a tour of our community and meet our friendly staff to discover the promise of Signal Mountain!