The effect of life review group therapy on elderly with chronic pain

Chronic pain is a common problem in the elderly. The prevalence of pain indicates that among the Iranian older population who are living in nursing homes، at any specific time، at least 72. 8% experience pain. Research has dem Chronic pain is a common problem in the elderly. The prevalence of pain indicates that among the Iranian older population who are living in nursing homes، at any specific time، at least 72. 8% experience pain. Research designed as a structured review of one’s life is helpful، even is therapeutic in elderly. The aim of life review therapy increases life satisfaction، improves self-esteem، and helps elderly to cope with crises، losses، life transitions and providing acceptance of their life`s realities in coping and resolving their own past conflicts. Methods&Materials: Via this descriptive، case-control research، forty residents with persistent pain of 4 nursing homes in Tehran were selected. All subjects were asked to give their own demographic details and pain status following the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Randomly they got allocated into two groups. First group، conducting the complete life review therapy guide and the second one as control group. During the therapy time، patients reconstruct their life story and examine both positive and negative experiences، with the therapist as a coach. Effects of life review therapy on such elderly were examined via pain questionnaire after therapy periods and were compared with basic levels. The results showed a significant difference between two groups. Reduction in pain questionnaire scores in first group compare with control group were significant. The implications of these results are discussed with respect to the utility of applying life review therapy for elderly with chronic pain