Memories shape who we are, connect us to others, and bring significance to everyday life. As we grow older, they become especially meaningful. This is where starting a memory journal can help keep those moments close.
Whether you want to start journaling as a creative hobby, daily ritual, or privately reflect on life’s journey, here are some helpful tips to get you started.
What is a Memory Journal?
A memory journal is a personal place to record your thoughts, memories, and reflections.
It’s not about writing perfectly or remembering every detail. It’s about expressing yourself and honouring the experiences that matter to you.
What are the other benefits?
Memory journaling can also help spark meaningful conversations with your loved ones and keep your mind active, healthy, and engaged.
👉 For easy tips to improve brain health, see our article on: 5-Minute Brain Boosts
Gather Your Favourite Memories
Think about moments that bring a smile, laugh, or moment of pause. A memory journal is a place to collect these stories, whether they’re from last week or decades ago.
Need a little inspiration to get started?
Try these simple prompts:
- My first job was…
- A moment I’ll never forget is…
- When I was younger, I loved to…
- A funny thing happened once when…
You can also create sections in your journal for different themes. For example: family, working years, favourite pastimes, music, and the people who made a difference in your life.
This helps with organisation and can jog your memory.
Begin with Handwritten Notes
There’s something special about putting pen to paper. The simple act of writing by hand can help bring memories to the surface and give them space to breathe.
✏️ Allow the memories to guide you. They might span a short paragraph, or a few pages.
Notebook Choice:
Choose a notebook that feels comfortable to use. A softcover journal with large lines can make writing easier. However, a spiral-bound notebook often sits better when open on a flat surface, making it easier to use.
Add Special Keepsakes
A memory journal doesn’t have to include only words. You can add small keepsakes that bring your memories to life.
Try including:
- Family recipes
- Newspaper clippings
- Old postcards from trips
- Concert or movie tickets
- Letters from friends or loved ones
- Photographs of family, pets, and special places
You can stick these items into your journal or store them in a small pocket at the back.
Don't Forget to Add Colour
Who says journaling has to be serious? Now is the perfect opportunity to get creative. Many people enjoy using coloured pencils, highlighters, or even sparkly pens to bring their pages to life.
🎨 You might draw a picture, decorate the borders, or use stickers to match the mood of your writing.
Prefer Not to Write by Hand? Try a Digital Memory Journal
If you find hand writing tiring, hard to read, or worry about losing pages, you might want to start a digital memory journal. With journal apps on your phone or tablet, you can type your thoughts, add photos, or even record voice notes.
📱 Want to try digital journaling? Here are two popular options:
- Day One App – A popular, easy-to-use journal app with voice note and photo features.
- Journey – Create personalised decorative journals that you can share with family.
Sharing Digital Journals:
One of the benefits of digital journals is that they are easy to share with family members.
You might record a story from your youth and send it to a grandchild, or create a running diary of special moments to look back on together.
👉 Related reading: How technology supports people living with cognitive impairment
Your Story Matters
Whether you start a memory journal to share with family or keep as a private reflection of your life, each entry is a celebration of your journey. Choosing the type of journal - paper or digital - ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and what sparks the most joy.
Ready to begin your journaling journey with a little extra support?
The Elli Cares App is thoughtfully designed for older adults, with features that support memory, social connection, and everyday wellbeing.
👉 Try Elli Cares today and discover how simple it can be to preserve the moments that matter.
