There is a common misperception today: doing family history is something that can or should be left until the “retirement” phase of life, when there’s more time to focus on it. The Family History Guide is living proof that all ages can benefit from being involved in family history, from kids eight and younger all the way up to seniors.

Now there are additional insights to consider, in this groundbreaking study sponsored by Brigham Young University. According to the study, “Participating in family history research reduces students’ anxiety by 20%, increases self-esteem by 8%.” It should be noted that this refers to actively doing research. Many of the participants in the study thought that adding this task to their already busy schedules would increase their stress levels. However, the opposite proved to be true: their anxiety levels generally decreased.

If these benefits are true for doing research, it could easily be assumed that the “softer” aspects of family history—sharing photos, reading ancestor stories, participating in fun family history activities, etc.—would also bring similar benefits. And it’s not a stretch to imagine how family history work could benefit people of all ages, drawing them together in collaboration and connection in a world that’s increasingly becoming isolated and disconnected.

Going a step further, we’ve heard a lot in the news lately about ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools. Experts are saying that in the not-too-distant future we may have personal assistants that can answer our questions, talk to us whenever we like, and be witty and engaging. The gravitational pull there would be to exclude involvement with others in favor of our new “best friend.” One of the antidotes to this dilemma may very well be family history, which by its very nature connects us with family members and society, both living and past, and stirs us to remember the good in their lives.

The Family History Guide for Young Adults

Keeping with the theme of family history for young adults, The Family History Guide has some great resources to use:

• Getting Started with Research—These pages help you get a strong foundation for starting family history research.
• Activities for Individuals—This section has a wide variety of family history activities especially for young adults, most of which require little preparation to do.
• Weekly Activities for Latter-day Saints—This companion to the Come, Follow Me lessons adds a unique family history aspect to gospel study.