The new "Netflix for seniors" that can help reduce loneliness Living Memories Online offers access to hundreds of hours of archive films and newsreels from the 20th Century… ● "Netflix for Seniors" can help older people stuck at home to step back in time, triggering memories and reducing feelings of isolation ● Also helpful for people living with dementia or in residential care to bring back memories and encourage reminiscence with families, friends and carers ● "When I watch these films and chat about them they make me feel younger again", says 84 year old Noelle Ingham
It’s been launched by Living Memories C.I.C., a not-for-profit social enterprise, to reduce isolation and help improve the health and wellbeing of older people. As well as sparking memories, the old films encourage elderly people, including those with dementia, to reminisce with families, friends and carers. These archive films give a fascinating insight into all aspects of life in the past. For a monthly subscription of just £5, individuals, care homes and other organisations can search for films by decade, topic (such as home, travel and work) and subject (eg. fashion, shopping, cars).
They can make a collection of their own favourites, which can be shared with other With millions of vulnerable elderly people users. They can also access online stuck at home and with limited social reminiscence resources to help trigger contact, a new online service could offer them conversations. a valuable lifeline. Brian Norris, founder of Living Memories Dubbed "Netflix for Seniors", Living Memories CIC, says: Online brings memories back to life through archive films and newsreels from the 20th "Archive films are a wonderful way of Century capturing everyday life at home and prompting older people to share memories work as well as important national events. and life experiences. 28
