FAMILY HERITAGE MONTH
GEEZER FORUM - October 2026
The Coeur d'Alene Press - Senior Sentinel
by Virginia Taft, Occupational Therapist/Author
We have passed that day in August where the curtain drops and you know summer has passed. There may still be hot days, but the light changes; the days become short and dark. Autumn colors brighten short and often foggy or rainy days. I look forward to my neighbor’s Japanese maple which glows a bright red-orange and becomes a brilliant fire in the sharp sunlight. Soon the ground will be carpeted with rainbow layers before snow arrives.
This is a time to gather in, look at the past year and see what you want to accomplish in the waning months. Before you know it the holidays will be in full swing, so it seems appropriate for October to be Family Heritage Month.
Family heritage is defined not just as history, but “a special or individual portion . . . valued objects and qualities.” As we gather with friends and family we share new and old stories that connect us, we can find many of those treasures. Life is about relationships. How we can nurture those affects our daily life, health and longevity as well.
One of the biggest issues that currently affects our relationships is immersion in technology. I have heard it said that if you were born before 1980 you do not know the world with computers, but born after 1980 you don’t know the world without them. A whole generation of kids have grown up with school work on laptops and phones. Media focuses on algorithms and instant communication. Yet, we seem to be more isolated from each other.
People are focused on their phones, not their surroundings. Teachers have noted in the school environment that children interact less and as a result do not know how to be in relationship with other kids. Interaction is a skill we do not learn without practice. I believe older generations can be instrumental in being that connecting force. Exploring family heritage is a good way to do that.
People love stories, especially their own. We all have a story to tell, a legacy to leave. Although many families and friends are separated by miles and may not be together at the holidays, zoom, a text chain, a call can get you started. Young children enjoy hearing stories from adults, teens of course, not so much. However, it is important to make the effort. Make them part of the story. You can go around the table and video each person’s wish for the new year or record on your phone. We kept little slips of paper in a special box to read the next year.
When my three teenage grandkids came to Thanksgiving dinner we usually each shared what we are thankful for. The usual answer was “Food and family- now let's eat!” UGH. So I told them each of them was expected to share their favorite thing about the other kids and one fun thing they did together. It was really a challenge for them, but they all participated. We had some laughs and defused some of their teenage angst. Another time we had each person say their least and most favorite Thanksgiving food. It was surprising when we found out there were a couple of dishes that nobody really liked!
If you do decide to write a book there are a lot of options. That is one thing technology has really helped. You can write your own memoir, hire a ghost writer or use online programs. Some are guided and give you weekly prompts. There are also phone based and audio recording programs. It is helpful to go online and check a few out before you invest your time and money.
Since we started the Forum last year, our focus has been on supporting the interests of seniors. The goal is to help maintain a support network, make new connections or renew bonds with people and things that give us purpose. We hope you will join us for the next Geezer Forum and please share your ideas for future Forums.
If you would like more information contact geezerforumcda@gmail.com or view our Facebook group page Geezer Forum CDA. Previous Geezer Forum articles and downloads are available at virginiataft.com Virginia Taft can be reached at virginiataft@virginiataft.com
Taft is the author of “The Memory Box Journey - Capturing a Life Story” (Dream Seed Rising 2024) available on Amazon or audiobook on Audible. “A Little Bit of Blue - Humor, Hope & Heart on the Journey of Aging” (Coming 2027)
