Someone working in long-term care started a trend of reading Chicken Soup for the Soul® books to their residents many years ago. I’m not sure who started it, but it was sure a good idea. The stories are short, inspirational, and written in a way that’s easy to understand. Kudos to the authors and editors who have helped bring these stories to the ears of older persons and who have enjoyed them immensely.

With over 200 titles, Chicken Soup for the Soul®, has something for everyone. Whether you are caregiver to a Father, Grandmother, pet owner, or sports lover, you will probably find a book that fits their interest. (There are also titles for Caregivers.) You can visit their website for all of their titles to see which best suits your family member or friend. Visit your local bookstore and you will see them everywhere.

For older persons who may have short attention spans or confusion, shorter stories are the way to go.

Besides loving The Chicken Soup for the Soul® series here are a few others to consider:

• Book of Devotions that can be read from daily. There are many to choose from. Find the one that’s right for your friend or family member.
• Field Guides-These are usually located in your local bookstores state section. The field guides I found at my local bookstore offered books on flowers and birds naturally found in my state. You can use these during walks outdoors and for conversation.
• Books from your state and local areas, especially those with pictures offer opportunities for reminiscing and conversation. Visually stimulating, these large picture books may be costly depending on the size. Other historical books from your state, as well as nature books, are well worth a look at.
• Children love looking at books with others. If you have the opportunity for a visit between a child and an older family member or friend let the child read to them or the older person can read to the child. Let the child choose the book according to his or her level. Reading to an adult helps the child practice reading skills.
• Cookbooks with pictures are wonderful books to look at. They are great for planning a meal with your older family member or friend and great for reminiscing. There are hundreds to choose from and many of us already have some sort of cookbooks in our homes.
• For those older persons who are religious, reading from the Bible can bring comfort. They can choose a favorite passage to listen to or read an unfamiliar one. Again, there are many bibles to choose from.
• Check out the books page for a list of other delightful reads.