Page 31 - CR31R.pdf

Family Memories Most were only short snippets, but they've now been ed-
ited together into one segment, similar to that which used
to open the program at every cinema,
Remember the Saturday matinee at the pictures ... stand-
Other t:reasw·es include Magic Lantern slides from "Sol-
ing for the National Anthem- rolling Jaffas down the aisle
diers of the Cross", the world's first feature length dra-
-dressing in your Sunday best when the Picture Show Man
matic movie presentation. It was produced in Melbourne
came to town- or wearing your pyjamas to the Drive In?
by the Salvation Army, operating fi·om the first purpose
built movie studio anywhere in the world.
These are some of the special memories featured in a nos-
talgic video program about cinema and theatres, designed
Valuable input into the program came from the Alzheimer's
as a therapy aid to help people with memory loss.
Association, Diversional Therapy Association, MS Soci-
ety and Psychologists, Therapists, Carers and other Aged
"I Remember That!" re-lives everyday life in Australia dur- Care experts.
ing the 20th Century, focussing on things that used to be
so much a part of daily routine, many of which disappeared Psychologists say tbjs walk down memory lane is not only
decades ago. good therapy, but offers great comfort value as well. It's
also educational for stag and family members, enabling
This is the second volume of the series and it contains tl1em to better understand and care for those they're look-
more tban four hundred images of everyday Australia, in- ing after.
cluding the Magic Lantern, the Picture Show Man, the
Cinema, and the Drive In. "I Remember That" is useful for group therapy or with
individuals at home. Carers report that it "opens flood-
Producer Graham Hasler from "Family Memories," says
gates of nostalgia" and lively discussion. The most com-
this video is a reminiscing tool for people with various
mon reaction is "they watch for five minutes and they talk
forms of memory loss, such as Alzheimer's, Stroke or MS. for five hours".
Memory loss is a growing problem throughout the world.
Amongst Australians over 65, the incidence of Dementia
However, Graham Hasler says that you don't need to be
is doubling every five years! The condition is not con-
suffering from mem01y loss to enjoy it. "Although it's
fined to older folk, it's been diagnosed in people in their
designed as a therapy aid, it has much wider appeal. Eve-
early 40's!
ryone has memories, and this video touches everyone who
sees it, no matter how old they are. Whether it's as therapy
Reminiscing is widely used in nursing homes, hostels, day
or simply friends having fun sharing some nostalgia to-
centres, retirement villages etc to encourage the recall of
gether. The reaction is always the same, people only have
past events in someone's life. Diversional therapists, oc-
to sta1t to watch it, and before long they say "I remember
cupational therapists, activities directors, carers and other that"
aged care experts have enthusiastically welcomed the video,
saying it's invaluable for reminiscing therapy,
For further information: (03) 9857 5899
Graham Hasler. Family Memories, 4 Stuart Court,
Reminiscing is such a simple idea yet has quite remark- Balwyn North 3104 famiJymemories@bigpond.com
able effects. Benefits include offsetting the decline of the
working memory. maintaining/restoring sensory functions Hindsight
eg hearing/speech., improved morale and increased self-
esteem; greater satisfaction and meaning in fife. decreased
depression; reduced stress and less need for medication.
A wonderful thing is hindsight. It is worth looking at some
as well as being more able to cope with change and age-
of the more memorable fumbles of the past 150 years.
ing. Some people have started talking again, after not
speaking for months.
"The horseless carriage is a luxury for the wealthy, and
although its price will probably fall in the future, it will
Mr. Hasler says the program focuses on nonnal everyday
never replace the bicycle". Literary Digest 188 I
things that touched most people in their daily routine.
That's why the cinema was included. "There was a time
"Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible."
when going to the pictures was the highlight of the week,
Lord Kelvin, President, Royal Society1895.
the best entertainment in town. It was so much more than
just entertainment, relationships were fom1ed and devel-
"The flying machine will eventually be fast. They will be
oped, it was truly a meeting place."
used in sp01t. but they are not to be thought of as commer-
cial caniers". Octave Chanute, Aviation Poinee1; 1904
Mr. Hasler paid tribute to members ofCATHS who gener-
ously he! ped. by loaning some rare historical gems. Among
"Who the heck wants to hear actors talk".
the items were seven different versions of "God Save the
King/Queen" up to sixty years old. H.M. Wame1; Wamer !Jros., 1927
-31-