Reminiscence intervention for community-dwelling older adults without dementia: a literature review

Reminiscence is defined as ‘a method or technique to recall past memories’ (Westerhof et al, 2010:698). Reminiscence intervention is used to promote positive feelings in older adults as they share life experiences through recall of past events. The fundamental elements of a reminiscence intervention include organisation, facilitation, focusing on positive memories and discussion of themes from a generational perspective (Stinson, 2009). Often, reminiscence programmes for older adults involve the use of stimulating materials, such as old pictures, songs, household items and newspapers, and sharing the individuals' past memories. Despite variations, general themes such as participants discussing personal memories, discussion of historical objects and facilitated group discussion remain consistent in reminiscence programmes throughout the literature (Brooker and Duce, 2000; Watt and Cappeliez, 2000; Bohlmeijer et al, 2008; Stinson, 2009; Gallagher and Carey, 2012; Smiraglia, 2015; Soniya, 2015). Reminiscence programmes have been shown to improve cognitive and social skills in older adults, as an individual's past contributes to a rich base for formulating cognitive interpretations and motivational direction (Ertel et al, 2008).