The effect of reminiscence on depression and loneliness in elderly

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of reminiscence on depression and loneliness in the elderly. A quasi experimental design with pre and post test and a control group was used. Research instruments consisted of the Geriatric Depression Scale, Loneliness Scale and the Reminiscence Package. Participants were 60 to 80 year old elderly (20 men and 20 women) resident in the City of Sirjan in Iran. Participants were chosen based on availability. Four groups (two experimental and two control groups) were included in the study. Experimental groups participated in reminiscence intervention (13 sections) but the control groups had no intervention. Results indicated that reminiscence decreased reports of depression and loneliness feeling in the elderly. The effect of this intervention was different among men and women. It is argued that reminiscence can be used in the family and nursing homes to increase mental health and decrease feelings of depression and loneliness.