Do you remember that time when…I'll never forget how…Do you recall what… Chances are that over this festive season, people will engage in conversations that include one or more of these phrases, or at least variations of them. Whether they are with friends, family, colleagues or co-workers, socialising, meeting or networking, people often connect through discussions about past events and experiences.
The use of shared recollections in social interactions can help reveal and foster a sense of connection, community and continuity. Relationships are built and cemented through such reflections and remembrances of the past, whether it is about glory days, the way things used to be, or things people are glad to be rid of. These conversations help develop mutual understanding and a sense of self, as well as an appreciation of one's role, place and contribution to a group, time and place.
At this time of year, with the seasonal transition from fall to winter, reminiscence is highlighted in many calendars through various cultural celebrations and commemorations. Whether it is the reminder to kindle the light of positivity and reaffirm hope during Diwali, the remembrance of the dead and observance of All Hallowtide, the palpable and unequivocal evocation of Remembrance Sunday, or the more light-hearted thoughts about whether one has been too naughty or nice in Santa's eyes to warrant a present, this is a period when contemplative, reflective and meditative musing over yesteryear is customary.
The act or process of recalling and interpreting past events and experiences is communally, and often therapeutically, valuable in a personal circumstance. It has also long been recognised as a vital tool in professional contexts such as dementia care, with more evidence suggesting its benefits across other caring conditions. Reminiscence therapy has been described as an umbrella term for a range of related yet discrete therapeutic methods that attempt to promote wellbeing (Macleod et al, 2021).
While research on these topics has some methodological limitations, such as issues with sampling and generalisability, various approaches—ranging from simple reminiscence, which includes straightforward or conversational nostalgic storytelling, to more structured life review and life review therapy sessions—can lead to improved quality of life and life satisfaction for older adults. These methods, often facilitated by specialist practitioners, promote positive moods, emotional wellbeing and mental health (Sharif et al, 2018; Shin et al, 2023; Zhong et al, 2023).
In more recent years, reminiscence therapy has seen research in, and application to, cancer and palliative care in various clinical settings and home, hospital or community care facilities, with similarly positive results. Sun et al (2023) found that reminiscence therapy was effective in alleviating psychosocial cancer-related symptom burden in people living with and beyond cancer, such as lessening anxiety and depression, as well as improving overall quality of life, regardless of the setting.
Bozkurt and Yildirim's (2024) study of the effect of reminiscence therapy in a palliative care unit suggested that the intervention contributed to the effectual management of the symptoms causing mental and general distress. It also improved life satisfaction and wellbeing in the face of life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses, transcending the actuality of the present life event to find new purpose and meaning. Incorporating the past to improve the present, and to inform the future, may be a frequent feature of daily living, whether in the pub, club, coffee shop or canteen conversations. The introduction of elements of a sometimes uncomplicated, but eloquent, approach to narratives with patients could be correspondingly compelling.
Remember, as you make new resolutions, that January is named after the god of beginnings and transitions, Janus. He has two faces; one face looking back to the past, the other forward to the future, and this month has long been considered an auspicious time for change. Happy New Year!