Every week at Regis Kuluin in Queensland, envelopes arrive from around the world. Inside, each letter begins the same way:
“Hi Friend.”
For more than two years, residents have been receiving handwritten letters from school students and community members throughout Australia, the United States, Canada and Germany. Some share stories about school holidays, they describe their hometowns, favourite hobbies or what the weather is like where they live. One letter from New York even invited residents to imagine the bright lights of Times Square.
For many residents, writing letters is something they grew up with. Receiving a handwritten letter again brings back a familiar way of connecting with others while opening the door to new friendships across generations and across the world.
The letters are read together, often prompting conversations about childhood, family and places residents have lived or travelled. For residents living with dementia, they have also become a way to encourage reminiscence and meaningful conversation before dinner.
Using handmade cards, residents then share their own stories in return.
“How thoughtful for all of these lovely people in the world to stop and think of us, write us letters, send pictures of where they live and wish us a good day,” said resident Mariet.
Research has shown that meaningful social connection plays an important role in healthy ageing, while reminiscence activities that encourage people to share life experiences can support wellbeing and strengthen social engagement.
These weekly letters do both, creating opportunities for residents to reflect on their own lives while discovering someone else’s.
