STORYTELLING

CHALLENGES AND SELECTION

Designers use storytelling to get insight into users, build empathy and reach them  emotionally. i want to work towards the elderly citizen with dementia and Alzheimer's As  the number of baby boomers who are also seniors grows rapidly, the number diagnosed  with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, also grows While it is the only disease with  no prevention, real treatment and no cure, there has been an increase in ongoing  research looking for a cure. People with dementia find it difficult to access memories, both  new and old. This memory and recall impairment begins slowly and progresses to the  point where it becomes hard to recall events, names, and conversations that they would  have easily remembered previously. Good stories can engage seniors so that they will  pay attention, empathize, and even cooperate. It is a matter of science

APPLICATION

I want to use storytelling as a way for the elderly people with such diseases to let their  thoughts out and make them mood better with good communication skills and social  interaction. in old age homes or healthcare institutes where they become frustrated and  can not control their emotions this practice of storytelling can go a long way and improve  their condition. Caregivers who use this process at home can have fun, show an image,  and talk about it with your loved one. Healthcare professionals who use storytelling find  that it opens older adults up to memories, encourages verbalization and promotes self- esteem. Each listener will glean a different emotional response and meaning to the same  story based on their own ability to imagine.

INSIGHT AND APPROACH

We can sit with them in groups and play a game with them where each member can have  a picture of something that will act as a starting point for any story from here they build.  The participants use their imagination taking turns deciding what happens next. This  allows them to express themselves creatively and emotionally in a positive low pressure  environment. This can remove the isolation that the people with Alzheimer’s feel. With  each story they can narrate their experience and try to have a happy ending to it as they  might relate these stories to themselves. Having someone to talk to will improve their  mood as it is an escape from their daily frustrating life.

This course made me see this tool of storytelling as very important stories can motivate  people and it is great source of entertainment too. It is an asset that I am really grateful  for.

