The Effect of Reminiscence Therapy in Older Adults

This randomized controlled study examined the effects of reminiscence therapy on psychological well-being and mindfulness among community-dwelling older adults. A total of 90 participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=45) or a control group (n=45).

Participants in the experimental group received a structured reminiscence therapy program delivered in five small therapy groups, with nine participants in each group. The intervention consisted of two 90-minute sessions per week for five weeks, for a total of 10 sessions. The sessions addressed age-appropriate reminiscence themes, including getting to know each other, childhood memories, places lived, holidays and festivals, food and cooking, memorable historical periods, favorite music, movies associated with participants' life periods, family life and personal values, life achievements, evaluation, and closure. Photographs, household objects, music, and other reminiscence materials were used to facilitate discussion and recall.

Participants in the control group received no reminiscence therapy or other study intervention during the study period. Psychological well-being and mindfulness were assessed at baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention using the Psychological Well-Being Scale and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, respectively.

Inclusion criteria

were:

• Being 65 years of age or older,
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and providing written consent,
• Suitable for the assessment of psychological well-being and mindfulness levels (e.g., not having disorientation and being able to communicate)

Exclusion criteria

• Having severe dementia, Alzheimer's, or other neurological diseases,
• Being unable to actively participate in the therapy process due to a severe hearing, vision, or speech impairment,
• Having a diagnosis of psychiatric illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.),
• Having experienced a major traumatic life event in the last six months (death, disaster, serious illness, etc.),
• Having undergone a similar therapeutic intervention or psychotherapy process before,
• Individuals who declared that they could not participate regularly during the study period.