A lasting legacy for friends and family

To help older adults recognize and understand their legacy, consider a family legacy project. A legacy project will help them celebrate their lives and memories -- and allow family and friends to share in the experience.

Even a frail or mentally impaired adults can participate on some level and will likely appreciate the result, whether it's a poster, a family recipe book, or a celebration in the park. A legacy project will also give everyone a memento of their lives that will live on after they're gone.

There are countless ways to create a legacy project. The approach you choose will depend on factors like the talents and interests those involved in the project, their family history and culture, and their health. Make it a multigenerational effort by recruiting children and grandchildren to participate. The final results may be large or modest, depending on everyone's time and inclinations, and the materials can range from photos and glue sticks to fabric and thread. Here are some ideas to get you going: