At OATS, we focus on how technology can help older adults live with purpose, connection, and creativity. A recent pilot program at the Senior Planet center in Denver shows how digital tools can support storytelling and help preserve the moments that matter most.
Through a pilot collaboration with Remento – a digital platform that helps people turn recorded answers to storytelling prompts into a book full of written stories – participants at the Senior Planet center in Denver explored how to document and share their own histories. The experience became more than a class. It created a setting where memories surfaced, stories took shape, and participants reflected on the value of their lived experiences.
Over the course of the sessions, participants recorded stories about their lives, families, and defining moments. Many spoke about the importance of preserving memories for future generations. As one participant shared, “The ease of making memories for future generations” was among the most meaningful parts of the experience. Others described wanting their children and grandchildren to hear their voices and better understand their lives. For many, the ability to preserve not just the story, but the sound and feeling of their own voice, made the experience especially meaningful.
The group setting also played an important role. Participants had the opportunity to share stories, hear from one another, and connect through common experiences. This reflects how OATS approaches program design by linking the use of technology with stronger social connections and meaningful engagement.
The experience also showed how technology becomes more approachable when it is tied to something personal. Participants used Remento’s digital tools to record and organize their stories while building new skills along the way. Like any new technology experience, some needed time to get comfortable. But because the activity was rooted in their own memories and relationships, many gained confidence and saw the value of capturing their stories in their own words.
The initiative also extended beyond the classroom. Some participants shared the experience with family members, and in several cases those family members began creating their own story collections. In that way, one person’s memories became the starting point for broader family storytelling, helping connect generations while preserving personal histories.
The pilot demonstrated how thoughtfully designed technology can do more than teach a digital skill. It can help older adults reflect on their lives, share their voices, and leave a lasting record for the people who matter most.
