Understanding an older adult’s preferences is a cornerstone for person centered care. The Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory (PELI) is a scientifically validated tool that assists providers and researchers in learning about what is most important to older adults. The questionnaires are phrased in clear conversational language and ask older adults about their preferences in five areas of day-to-day life: social contact, personal development, leisure, living environment and daily routine. Providers can ask the full set of questions or choose fewer questions most relevant to community needs. The PELI questionnaires spark conversations about what matters, lay the foundation for building trusting relationships, and promote care plans and service delivery that honor client preferences.