As the COVID-19 pandemic has endured longer than expected and visitations restrictions to assisted living facilities remain, the Memories for Life program has launched a Mobile Memory Box project. Each Memory Box houses a familiar historical artifact (e.g. 1940's rotary phone, WWII Victory mail, Drive-In Speakers, 1950's radio, etc.). Teens research each item and create interesting supplemental materials and activities that accompany the item. A collection of boxes are loaned for free to assisted living facilities to share with seniors who benefit from an opportunity to experience items from their past, which enhances memory recall and encourages conversations among fellow residents.  

In response to the challenges presented by COVID-19 and restricted visitation to assisted living facilities, Memory Kit care packages were created using a theme of Toys and Games of the Past. Memory Kits were delivered to assisted living facilities filled with a photo card featuring popular toys from the past along with marbles, a paper "slinky," Tinker Toys pieces, a ViewMaster picture reel, as well as and games and activities featuring the toys. Seniors were encouraged to use the photo card and items as topics of conversation to share their memories about the items with family and friends. 

In cooperation with the Tampa Bay History Center, the Memories for Life features teens who are trained to use authentic historical objects and photographs as conversation starters to lead one-hour workshops at senior living facilities and help seniors recall memories, share historical experiences, and connect with other participants.

Current Workshop: “Toys and Games of the Past.”

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Participants travel back in time as they remember--and play with--their favorite toys and games. Seniors experience objects from the 1920s through the 1960s including a ViewMaster, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, marbles, Pick Up Sticks, Slinky, and more!

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Future Workshops:

• Cooking Through the Ages

• Radio, TV, Newspapers & Advertising

• Travel: Planes, Trains & Automobiles

• Work & Chores