Reminiscence A selective process in which memories

+ Reminiscence “[A] selective process in which memories are evoked and reconstructed…” (Dattilo, 2000)

+ Reminiscence- Definition… n Excursion into one’s memory of the past n Weiss, 1989 n Act of relating personally significant past experiences Koffman, 2000 n Activity in which the leader assists and guides a person to recall previous life experiences and facilitates the affirmation of the value of these experiences n Could be individual or group n Could be written or recorded

+ Reminiscence. Life experience recollection: 1. 2. Simple/informative/story-telling § Recollection of previous life experiences § Remembered for pure pleasure of experiencing occasions and to pass information on to others Life review n Focused on analyzing, evaluating and coming to terms with unpleasant or unhappy previous life experiences

+ Types of Reminiscence n. Integrative Reminiscence n Associated with successful aging n Helps individuals achieve a sense of self-worth, coherence, and reconciliation with regard to one’s past (sense of peace) n. Transmissive Reminiscence n Associated with successful aging n Helping individuals to pass along one’s cultural heritage and personal legacy to others (storytelling, moral instruction)

+ Types of Reminiscence n. Narrative n. Neutral Reminiscence effect on successful aging n. Opportunities for individuals to state autobiographical facts (place where grew up, # of siblings. . )

+ Types of Reminiscence n. Instrumental n Associated Reminiscence with successful aging n Helps individuals obtain subjective perceptions of competence and continuity through recollection of past plans, attainment of goals, and successful problem solving (accomplishments)

+ Types of Reminiscence n Escapist Reminiscence n Detrimental to successful aging n When individuals tend to glorify the past and belittle the present n Obsessive Reminiscence n Can inhibit successful aging n Statements of guilt, bitterness, and despair regarding one’s past

+ Overall Goal of Reminiscing. . n. To provide cathartic (therapeutic) opportunities for life review n. Integrative (+) n. Instrumental (+) n. Transmissive (+) n. Narrative (neutral) n. Escapist (-) n. Obsessive (-)

+ Anticipated Outcome n. Enhanced self-worth n. Reconciliation n. Life with the past journey is seen as a full circle n. Increased subjective feelings of competency n. Increased continuity of the self through passing on stories, morals, beliefs, heritage, ways of living, etc

+ Program Structure n Group of 10 -12 people or smaller, such as 5 -6 people or 1: 1 n Quiet environment; may be held in “special” environments to help facilitate memories n Sessions are organized around a specific topic (e. g. , school days), a topical area (e. g. , historical event, holidays, seasons), or developmental stage (e. g. , childhood, adolescence, young adulthood) n Use props to aid in memory recall (consider using sensory stimulation theme kits)

+ Session Format n RT welcomes everyone and greets everyone individually n RT introduces the topic and explains the purpose of the session n RT facilitates a conversation about the topic and utilizes therapeutic communication techniques to encourage discussion (e. g. , paraphrasing, probing, validating, etc). Keep the conversation balanced among all group members and remind members of the clock time as appropriate n RT closes the group with a summary, thanks everyone for participating, and shares plans for the next session

+ Session Stages (Life Review) n NOTE: Can rouse strong emotional memories, both negative and positive – may need to refer to Psychology n TOPICS: giving yourself a hair cut, attending class reunions, Christmas morning, when the circus came to town, “if I had my life to live over again, ” how families expressed emotions n SESSION STAGES n Recollection of the event (as person recalls it) n Evaluation of the event (changes as new info becomes available) n Synthesis of the event (memory is re-organized and

+ Example (Dattilo, 2000, ) n Recollection: “I remember one Christmas during the Great Depression when all I wanted was a store-bought doll. Mama kept saying money was too dear but I was stubborn. On Christmas morning I got the doll. A week later, I left it in the barn by accident and one of the dogs chewed on it. Mama cried when she saw it and I couldn’t understand why – after all, it was my doll. ” n Evaluation: “It wasn’t until after Mama died that I found a letter she had written to my aunt that Christmas. It seems Mama had given a whole, handmade quilt for that doll. I know why she cried but she never said a word. ” n Synthesis: “That was typical of Mama – she kept everything to herself. She could never say, “I love you” but she tried to show it by giving me that doll. ”

+ Reminiscence Groups n Conversation Starters to get your reminiscing started – remember to keep questions n Short and open‐ended: n What is your favorite holiday? What made it special? Did your family have n Any traditions? n What was it like in when you were in school? n What was your favorite job? Your first job? n What were birthdays like in your family? n What is one thing you would like your grandchildren to know about you?

+ Reminiscence Groups n Who taught you how to drive? n Have you ever had anything humorous happen on a date? n Describe the house you grew up in. n Tell us about your best childhood friend. n What do you remember about your grandparents? n What states, countries, and continents have you visited? n If you could re‐live a day of your life again, which would it be? Why? n What were your favorite foods as a child? n What did you do for fun when you were a teenager?

+ Can use sensory stim kits Example Kits • • Vacations Favorite games First playmate First pet School days Olympics Floods Engagements Example Kits n Seasons n Holidays n Seasons n Childhood n Adolescence n Music n Dance n Others

+ Memory Boxes n Memory Boxes can help to stimulate the mind, triggering good emotions and improve quality of life. It helps bring people together and encourages conversation, reminiscence and discussion.

+ Benefits of Reminiscence n n n Decrease depression & confusion Decrease boredom Increase well-being Enjoyable Develop friendships n Engage in conversation n Maintain family contacts n Teach & inform n Identify & solve problems n Prepare for end of life n Increase socialization n Maintain cognitive functioning

+ Reminiscence Benefits n Increase self esteem as review history of competence n Increase life satisfaction n Reaffirm sense of identity n Bring pleasure from sharing the past with others More Benefits n Increase socialization/Decrease loneliness n Stimulate cognitive processes n Provide feelings of competence as person relates LT memories

+ Benefits of Reminiscence. . n Allow for expressing of feelings n Come to terms with old disappointments n Discover similarities with others n Increase self awareness about leisure