Brenda Lyle – Florida Today
Q: How Can I Blend Old Family Memories with Modern Technology?
A: In a world where everything moves so quickly and so much of our lives are digital, it’s easy to forget the joy of sitting around a table, flipping through old photo albums, or sharing a favorite song from years past. But these simple moments—reminiscing, laughing, and telling stories—are what connect generations and keep family traditions alive.
Technology can bring the old and the new together, making those memories even more meaningful.
Revisit Photo Albums
There’s nothing like a well-loved photo album. Whether it’s those crinkly plastic sleeves with faded prints or a shoebox full of snapshots, looking through old photos sparks storytelling. Try scanning them and creating shared digital albums using Google Photos or Apple Photos. Websites like Shutterfly will bind them like an old-fashioned photo album. Consider a project where everyone in the family adds their own pictures and comments—great for a reunion or holiday!
Let the Music Play
Music has a magical way of pulling us back to special moments. Maybe it’s the song that played at your wedding or the music you used to hear every Sunday morning. Create a family playlist on Spotify or Apple Music filled with everyone’s favorites—maybe Dad’s rock oldies, Grandma’s favorite hymns, or the cousins’ go-to party songs. Play it during dinners or gatherings using a smart speaker. Alexa or Siri will play specific songs when asked—BOOM—instant nostalgia!
Cherished Keepsakes
Old letters, postcards, handmade gifts, heirlooms– keepsakes carry stories with them. A popular way to preserve them is by digitizing them with your phone or scanner. Apps like Evernote can organize everything and even record voice memos to explain the stories behind each item. Techies might use VR platforms to create a “virtual gallery”—imagine walking through a “room” with family treasures on display.
Keep Traditions Alive
Baking Grandma’s famous cookies isn’t just fun—it’s how memories are made. Record these moments with your phone for future generations. Short video tutorials or digital recipe books are possible on platforms like Yummly. Even cousins who live miles away can join in and carry the traditions forward.
Family Storytime
Set aside time to share memories. Zoom or Google Meet can include faraway relatives. Create a family trivia game using Kahoot! to keep things fun. Try recording interviews with older family members using apps like Life Story. Their stories are priceless and deserve to be heard.
By combining the warmth of the past with the tools of today, we can create new ways to celebrate our family history—keeping those we love close, no matter where we are.
Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
