Some researchers wind up turning their family histories into other projects as well-a talk at the local library or senior center, a history lesson for local school children, or a memento book for family members. There are plenty of online groups and forums that can offer conversation and community. Social Benefitsįinally, because researching family history is such a popular hobby, it offers the chance to meet other people who are likewise engaged in learning about their own families. ![]() This information can be helpful in identifying potential risk factors for surviving family members. ![]() In some cases, there’s an opportunity to collect family medical information, either from living relatives or by uncovering health information from records about ancestors. Sometimes, research will even end up reconnecting long-lost relatives in surprising ways. Learning about common ancestors has a way of opening up doors of communication. It can bring family members together around a shared interest and also inspire intergenerational storytelling and sharing. Researching genealogy can make a great family activity, involving siblings, children, and grandchildren. Some studies have shown that reminiscing can actually lower a person’s blood pressure and heart rate. Reminiscing and exploring the unknown past can have deep psychological benefits for older people, giving them a chance to reconnect with their own memories while also learning new things about family members they never knew. In addition to staving off boredom and ennui, researching genealogy encourages the development of new skills (such as working with computers) and provides valuable opportunities to improve cognition and self esteem. Tracing family roots back through generations can help a person connect more deeply with a sense of self by learning about their family’s past-where they came from, who they were, what they did, the trials they overcame, the accomplishments they achieved, the dreams they had. Deeper Personal IdentityĮveryone wants to belong, and learning about ancestors is a wonderful way to ground an individual’s life within a greater context of time and place. Any family’s story is likely to be filled with many small mysteries and discoveries that can keep a person engaged for a long, long time. Researching family history can provide an intriguing focus that ignites the imagination. ![]() It’s not unusual for recent retirees to fall into depression during the transition from long-time work routines into a so-called life of leisure. ![]() Many older people find themselves at a bit of a loss for what to do with their days. And it offers many other social and emotional benefits: Sense of Purpose It can be enjoyed from the comfort of home. It’s something that’s accessible to anyone with an internet connection. It’s human nature to want to know where we come from and who we come from.Īs it turns out, exploring genealogy makes an excellent hobby, especially for older adults. While shows like TLC’s Who Do You Think You Are? and PBS’ Finding Your Roots have definitely contributed to the popularity of researching our ancestry, people have always been curious about their family heritage.
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