Things That Matter

Special Objects in Our Stories as We Age

William L. Randall, Matte Robinson

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English

University of Toronto Press
31 December 2023

Social work; Psychology

This book explores the complex connections between the memories, emotions, and objects that hold special meaning for us across the years.

Many of us have particular things in our lives

photographs, paintings, old letters, books, furniture, jewellery, or clothing

that hold special meaning for us. Often, they correspond to pivotal memories and can be central to our sense of self and our life narratives, all the more so as we age. Things that Matter sheds important light on the intricate intertwining of mementos with stories

and vice versa

in most people's lives.

The book explores the significance of cherished objects within the life stories of nine participants in a qualitative study of the links between reminiscence and resilience in later life. The researchers who conducted the study represent a variety of fields, from gerontology to social work to ministry, and from nursing to literature to education. The book details how these stories can be fraught with a wide range of insights and questions from the memories that get stirred up as people embark on the process of ""life review"" prompted by the challenges and changes of aging. Shedding light on the complex emotional, psychological, and spiritual findings of the study, Things that Matter ultimately reveals the intricacy of personal narrative and the incredible ways in which things and stories are interwoven in our lives over time.

Edited by: William L. Randall, Matte Robinson
Imprint: University of Toronto Press
Country of Publication: Canada
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 25mm
Weight: 480g
ISBN: 9781487524470
ISBN 10: 1487524471
Pages: 360
Publication Date: 31 December 2023
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

William L. Randall is a retired professor of gerontology at St. Thomas University. Matte Robinson is an associate professor and chair of English at St. Thomas University.

Reviews for Things That Matter: Special Objects in Our Stories as We Age

"""This book reminds us that narratives are not just about the stories we tell - they also include the personal objects that embody rich meaning in our lives.""--Kate de Medeiros, Professor of Gerontology, Concordia University ""Things That Matter is the fruit of a truly communal, interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners intrigued by the myriad ways in which people's cherished objects serve as 'portals' into the stories of their lives during the course of later life. This thoughtful, engaging book is thus also about stories that matter and is a most valuable site for exploring, and honouring, the living, breathing story worlds that we enter, and re-enter, throughout our lives.""--Mark Freeman, Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Society, College of the Holy Cross"