Reminiscence and Life Review Group for Elderly People Essay Example
Reminiscence and Life Review Group for Elderly People
Shane Hyde
Jane Westervelt
University of Idaho
Reminiscence and Life Review Group for Elderly People The population of the United States is rapidly aging, and as it does, concerns for the mental health and life satisfaction of the elderly is growing. The U.S. Census Bureau projects a 29% increase in the overall population from 2000 to 2030. In contrast, the number of people 65-84 is expected to grow by approximately 100%, and the number of those 85 and older is expected to increase by 125%. Counselors will increasingly be called upon to meet the unique needs of this older population. One type of group that is gaining more attention for its ability to promote the well-being of the elderly is a reminiscence and life review group. The terms reminiscence and life review are sometimes used interchangeably, but subtle distinctions have been made in the literature. Reminiscence involves the informal recollection of events and experiences, while life review is a structured examination of one’s entire life, often occurring at significant points (Stinson and Kirk, 2006). “Life review is more intense and actively tries to influence the above-mentioned working ingredients of reminiscence” (Bohlmeijer, Roemer, Cuijpers, & Smit, 2006 page 297). According to Erikson’s life stages, as people age they are faced with developing integrity or falling into despair (Carver & Scheier, 2004). At people age, the finiteness of life is realized. Some find a need to review their life, while others put up guards against what for them could be a painful experience (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2008). Successful aging is the ability to reflect back on one’s life and find meaning and happiness, as opposed to despairing from a lack of purpose and perceived failures. “To explain the contribution of reminiscence to successful aging, four processes are often mentioned: identity-forming and self-continuity; enhancing
Shane Hyde
Jane Westervelt
University of Idaho
Reminiscence and Life Review Group for Elderly People The population of the United States is rapidly aging, and as it does, concerns for the mental health and life satisfaction of the elderly is growing. The U.S. Census Bureau projects a 29% increase in the overall population from 2000 to 2030. In contrast, the number of people 65-84 is expected to grow by approximately 100%, and the number of those 85 and older is expected to increase by 125%. Counselors will increasingly be called upon to meet the unique needs of this older population. One type of group that is gaining more attention for its ability to promote the well-being of the elderly is a reminiscence and life review group. The terms reminiscence and life review are sometimes used interchangeably, but subtle distinctions have been made in the literature. Reminiscence involves the informal recollection of events and experiences, while life review is a structured examination of one’s entire life, often occurring at significant points (Stinson and Kirk, 2006). “Life review is more intense and actively tries to influence the above-mentioned working ingredients of reminiscence” (Bohlmeijer, Roemer, Cuijpers, & Smit, 2006 page 297). According to Erikson’s life stages, as people age they are faced with developing integrity or falling into despair (Carver & Scheier, 2004). At people age, the finiteness of life is realized. Some find a need to review their life, while others put up guards against what for them could be a painful experience (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2008). Successful aging is the ability to reflect back on one’s life and find meaning and happiness, as opposed to despairing from a lack of purpose and perceived failures. “To explain the contribution of reminiscence to successful aging, four processes are often mentioned: identity-forming and self-continuity; enhancing