Cherished possessions: being an effective helper with older adults.

As the 21st century approaches, therapeutic recreation specialists will be challenged to find meaningful and purposeful activity ideas with older adults. Older persons identify possessions as meaningful based on their legacy. "Elderly individuals must choose from a lifetime of objects those possessions they wish to save for themselves as a kind of bequest to themselves" (Tobin, 1996). Various possessions connect older adults to their personal histories. In the book, The Meaning of Things, the authors report that objects serve a purpose of maintaining the continuity of the self as it expands through time. This article will discuss the meaning of objects and highlight several possession-oriented activities that therapeutic recreation specialists can implement with older adults that hold the potential for meaning and purpose. Roles that therapeutic specialists may play in creating a helping environment by using a possession-oriented activity will be included.

The Meaning of Things

While the research and literature are not conclusive, it appears cherished objects or possessions may add meaning and purpose to older adults' lives. Cherished objects are those considered special by an older person; those objects that may embody goals, serve a valued purpose, or reflect the identity of a person (Wapner, Demick and Redondo, 1990). Csikszentmihalyi and Rochberg-Halton (1981) proposed two types of meanings attributed to cherished possessions: general meanings and person-related meanings. The general meanings included: memories, experiences, style, utilitarian, personal value, intrinsic qualities, and associated contexts. The person-related meaning categories included: self, immediate family, kin and non-family.

Furby (1978) described two essential and inextricable themes-self and control-in her analysis of the meaning of possessions. Adults tend to integrate part of self with objects and may have difficulty distinguishing what one calls "me" from what one calls "mine." Furby went on to propose that an object is a part of or an extension of the self to the degree to which it is under individual control.

Using samples of older adults from both community and nursing homes, researchers found higher life satisfaction associated with those who had cherished possessions. "The strong attachment to a possession suggests the possibility that it may serve a purpose in the life of the aged person that is somewhat analogous to the `transitional object' of early childhood which enables some children to undertake a degree of independence from the mother and move into another developmental stage of their lives" (Sherman & Newman, 1978). Cherished possessions of older adults, with their symbolic meanings and associations, may assist individuals in coming to terms with the past and moving into the developmental stage Erikson terms, ego integrity.

Additionally, several other studies indicated that cherished possessions may assist older adults adapt to new environments. Wapner (1981) and Wanner, Demick. and Redondo (1990) found cherished possessions may serve as "anchor points" that facilitate the adaptation to new environments and provide historical continuity. comfort and a sense of belonging.

Interestingly, in several studies exploring cherished possessions among older adults, the vast majority were able to readily identify an item (Sherman and Newman, 1977; Wapner, Demick and Redondo, 1990). Items identified frequently as most cherished were photographs, religious items, symbolic jewelry and consumer items. There were particular meanings for different kinds of cherished possessions. Symbolic jewelry was almost always associated with the memory of a spouse, while photographs were almost invariably associated with children.

Possession-Oriented Activities

A wide variety of possession-oriented activities might be employed by therapeutic recreation specialists (TRSs) to promote purposeful activities among older adults. ATRS at an adult day center requests that each new member bring a cherished item to share on his or her first day. A 90-year-old Jewish widow, living with her son and his family, in a large metropolitan city, shared her husband's talks (prayer shawl). She held the shawl close to her heart, as she relayed fond memories of her deceased husband of 60 years. Clearly, the memories were comforting, as she smiled and talked of good times. The memories were also assuring of a sense of continuity of herself. She concluded, "I am the Rabbi's wife! And I help other people." This possession was kept and cherished because of its significance to her husband and for her own personal identity.

TRSs in long-term care facilities are finding possession-oriented discussion groups very important and useful. Residents are encouraged to exhibit and discuss their cherished possessions. Activity rooms have display areas that protect cherished items; yet, allow others to view and discuss them. Discussion groups and exhibits are employed to help integrate new residents into the facility and more generally to foster appropriate interaction among residents.

At one long-term care facility, diverse kinds of cherished items were on display--photos, religious items, jewelry, furniture, visual arts, and others. During a discussion group, a new male resident, who was adjusting poorly to his new location said, 'That's my favorite picture. It shows when my mother and wife were alive and when my youngest, the baby, got married. She is pregnant now, and I think it will be a girl." This picture held meaning that spanned past and future generations. As the therapist, group members, and the older gentleman discussed the picture, it was clear this simple object was able to facilitate special memories and enhance the coherence of his life story; to preserve identity in the face of change. As he ended his discussion, he turned toward the only other male in the group and proudly stated, "I will bring a picture of the new baby girl next time. You see, I will be a grandfather for the tenth time."

During a reminiscence session at a senior center, participants shared religious items that were cherished such as bibles, rosaries, prayer books, crucifixes, menorahs, and small cross necklaces. Many objects spanned several generations. Spanning the generations may suggest the experiences of a family history or a continuity with previous generations. An octogenarian, cupping a small crucifix in her hand so all could see, exclaimed, 'This lovely possession comes with a story. This is my genealogy." The crucifix, well over 200 years old, had been passed down from long-dead ancestors to her mother, who had given it to her on her wedding day. This cherished object served as a legacy for remembering the past and a means of preserving the continuity of the self.

A TRS making a home visit to an 83-year-old woman, who had a hip replacement, recounts a lonely woman, adjusting slowly and experiencing mild depression. In order to learn more about the reserved woman, the TRS asked about her most-cherished item. The older woman beamed and stroked a leash. The therapist learned the woman was walking her dog when her hip broke; the dog was killed the same day. After discussing the situation during several home visits, the TRS arranged for the local humane society to bring dogs by each week to visit. Ten weeks later, the woman was walking with a cane, had adopted a new dog, and showed no signs of depression.

While there are no activities that act as complete panaceas for older adults TRSs may be able to use cherished items in creative and innovative ways. Cherished objects may serve as adaptive objects to facilitate assessments, promote the life review process, help with positive environment adjustments, and encourage active involvement in other leisure activities.

The use of cherished objects may also provide TRSs more opportunities to become more effective helpers with older adults. Cherished items can be used throughout the therapeutic recreation process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. These items can also be used in conjunction with various facilitation techniques with older adults, such as humor, therapeutic touch, relaxation, animal-facilitated therapy, intergenerational activities, reality orientation, re-motivation, re-socialization, reminiscence, and leisure education.

Many therapeutic recreation specialists will be challenged to be effective helpers with older adults in the future. As people change over time, concrete objects that do not change may be effective tools for therapeutic recreation specialists to use to provide meaningful and purposeful activities with older adults.