Welcome to Memoir
Written by Ellen Ryan [[email protected]]
Life review is one of the central tasks of resilient aging. Writing one’s memoir, or stories from one’s life, is a productive activity that can be carried out alone, in a group, or within the family.
Sharing life stories and family history serves future generations and enhances intergenerational communication.
Intergenerational Memoir Project
View Memoir Fest recordings where senior volunteers present brief life stories, written while participating with McMaster Aging & Health students. Also, see the 2024 publication featuring nine articles about the project. See how to find out how to participate in a coming semester.
Ellen Ryan Publications
Professor-Emeritus Ellen Ryan has posted articles about the value of writing memoir for older adults and some of her own life stories and poems as examples to create enthusiasm for writing.
Table of Contents for Ryan Publications
Writing Down Our Years Book Series
Resources for Writing Memoir
Find learning materials here for writing a memoir; Read quotations about why write a memoir; Practice with writing prompts.