Create For a Senior Citizen

*Inspired by an activity choice in the GSUSA 1980s program for Across Generations

Older adults have amazing stories to share! Some remember what it was like when they were your age, while others have experienced big moments in history, family celebrations, travels, or favorite traditions. When you talk with them, ask about the important times in their life and listen carefully.

Afterward, you’ll turn what you learned into something creative, like a painting, scrapbook, or timeline. It’s a way to honor their story and show that you were listening. You’ll share your creation with them to help celebrate their life!

Take Action

Life Story Project Worksheet:

Step 1: Interview Someone

[ ] I talked to:
Name: __________________________
Age (approximate): __________________________
Relation to me:
☐ Relative
☐ Neighbor
☐ Family Friend
☐ Other: __________________________

Step 2: Ask Questions
Ask about special events or important times in their life. Use these or come up with your own:

What was a favorite memory from childhood?
What big event do you remember in history?
What’s a holiday or tradition your family celebrated?
Did you travel somewhere interesting?
When did something in your life change in a big way?

Step 3: Make Something Creative
Choose one way to share their story:
☐ Painting
☐ Timeline
☐ Scrapbook
☐ Other: __________________________

Your creation should include:

Important events or dates
Pictures, drawings, or photos
Quotes or short descriptions
Decorations that reflect their story

Step 4: Share It Back

[ ] I gave or showed my creation to the person I interviewed
[ ] I told them what I learned
[ ] I thanked them for sharing their memories
[ ] I shared what I learned with my troop/group

Real-Life Senior Interviews

If you do not know a Senior Citizen to be able to have a personal interview with, here are some online sources of recorded interviews you can use as a substitute:

StoryCorps Archive – Real Interviews with Elders
Search for tags like “aging,” “grandparents,” or “life lessons.” These are audio and transcript-based interviews with seniors sharing personal stories. Many include reflections on aging, challenges, joys, and advice. Scouts can listen or read and respond using your worksheet prompts.
Senior Planet – Inspiring Stories
These articles spotlight individual seniors and their experiences with aging, technology, creativity, and resilience. Each profile is written by the senior citizen to tell their story to motivate others. Scouts can use them to try and answer interview-style questions.

Tia Kennard