In his book, The Future of Nostalgia, author Svetlana Boym defines nostalgia as a sentimentality for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. Most of us have a soft spot for things nostalgic; high school dances, a favorite vacation, a first girlfriend. These memories often mean more than what is happening around us now, more than more recent memories.
Nostalgia is even more important if one has a difficult time understanding what is going on now, if one has no recent memories. It is a funny thing about Alzheimer’s disease, as well as some other dementias, that memories are lost in reverse order. For someone with Alzheimer’s memories of recent events disappear long before memories that are half a century old or older.
Reminiscence is the process of recollecting past experiences or events. Reminiscence therapy is a therapeutic intervention that improves self-esteem and provides older patients with a sense of fulfillment and comfort as they look back at their lives. It is an especially effective therapy for people with dementia.
We have a nice selection of books for reminiscing available at our store. If you have some favorites, please let us know. Just fill in the simple form at the bottom of this page.
Read more» about Reminiscence and Alzheimer’s Disease
Packed with magnificent images and editorial contributions by Getty Images, National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, New York Times, Baseball Hall of Fame, NBC, CBS, ABC, various historians and museum curators. This is a wonderful stroll down memory lane – charming, colorful, and very special.
Sears Roebuck Home Builder’s Catalog by
Sears, Roebuck and Company’s 1910 catalog of home building materials, fixtures, and accessories — from roofing and siding to chandeliers and porcelain bathtubs. Vintage ad copy, specifications, and prices provide a nostalgic look back at the way homes were built at the turn of the last century. Great nostalgia for anyone who spent time in the building trades.
The Saturday Evening Post Americana Coloring Book photo alterations by
Thirty-one ready-to-color cover illustrations by some of The Saturday Evening Post’s most famous artists celebrate the nostalgic appeal of American life in the first half of the 20th century. Iconic images include adaptations of timeless works by John Falter, Stevan Dohanos, George Hughes, Richard “Dick” Sargent, and others. The Saturday Evening Post Americana Classics coloring book offers an escape to a world of inspiration and artistic fulfillment. It is also an effective and fun-filled way to relax and reduce stress.
The Saturday Evening Post Spot the Differences
Twenty-five pairs of color reproductions of iconic covers from The Saturday Evening Post invite everyone to spot the differences. Pictures on the left display unaltered original art; the ones on the right feature 11 to 15 subtle changes. Suitable for all ages, the images include covers by Norman Rockwell, John Falter, Stevan Dohanos, Richard “Dick” Sargent, and many other artists. Solutions included.reduce stress.
Reminiscence and cognitive stimulation in one book!
Everyday Fashions of the Fifties As Pictured in Sears Catalog edited by
This splendidly detailed volume with 120 fully illustrated and captioned pages of Sears catalogs from the 1950s, provides an entertaining and nostalgic view of what men, women, and children were wearing in that decade.
Film Star Portraits of the Fifties
edited by
163 Glamour Photos
The brightest stars of the 1950s live on in this wonderful, black-and-white gallery of publicity shots. Includes 114 major stars in their Hollywood heyday: Marlon Brando, James Dean, Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Kirk Douglas, William Holden, and dozens more. Also includes stills for A Streetcar Named Desire, The Misfits, and many more.
The 1942 Sears Christmas Book 
Facsimile Edition
For generations, the much-anticipated arrival of the Sears gift catalog signaled the start of the holiday season. This faithful facsimile of the retailer’s 1942 Christmas edition offers a nostalgia-inducing chance to relive those bygone years, when turning the pages of a catalog could excite young minds with dreams of a shiny toy truck or a new doll under the tree.
REMEMBER WHEN (1921-2006
Here is a suggestion from Pat that we were unaware of. We don’t carry it now but may soon . I think it is a neat idea. A collection of these, say the decades of the 40s through the 60s, would be a great addition to a dementia friendly library collection, or for activity professionals and Memory Care communities.
Remember When KardLets are a greeting card/booklet hybrid, that include 24 pages of interesting news, facts, authentic ads, cost of living index, and much more for each year! The year of one’s birth or high school graduation will hold special, nostalgic memories.
NOSTALGIC VIDEOS FOR REMINISCING
Railroads: Tracks Across America
This comprehensive documentary collection is composed of 36 fascinating features chronicling the development of the railroad industry from the first transcontinental line, freight and Pullman cars, to modern diesel engines. See the people and machines that built the Tracks Across America which is sure to please train enthusiasts old and new.
The Signs & Rhymes of Burma Shave
Generations of Americans grew up reciting the amusing Burma-Shave jingles. They were often the most memorable part of a Sunday drive. More than 120 jingles in this video help fondly recall why this simple roadside advertising idea catapulted a tiny company into the consciousness of the nation.
Please let us know about your favorite tools for reminiscing.
First name is sufficient. The more information you supply, the better we like it. We especially like your personal comments and critique. But, if all you have is a title, we can take it from there.
Organizations & Affiliations
Purple Angel Ambassador
Dementia Friendly America
