Comparison of the effectiveness of imaging through information reprocessing and treatment of coherent reminiscence on life expectancy and quality of life of the elderly in Astana Ashrafieh

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of imaging therapy through information reprocessing and coherent memory therapy on life expectancy and quality of life in the elderly. The research method was quasi-experimental with a control group with pre-test, post-test and quarterly follow-up.

The statistical population of this study included all people aged 60 years and older living in a nursing home located in Gilan province. Sixty eligible individuals were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and by simple random sampling and were replaced in experimental and control groups. Data collection tools were Snyder Life expectancy scale (1991) and Dehshiri et al. (2008) Loneliness Questionnaire. Both experimental and control groups were pre-tested using research tools. Then, cohesive harmonization intervention was performed in six sessions and illustration intervention through information reprocessing was performed in seven sessions for their own experimental groups. At the end of the intervention, both experimental and control groups were post-tested using research tools. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance.

The results showed that the treatment of coherent reminiscence was more effective than imaging through information reprocessing in increasing the life expectancy variable (P <0.05). Also, the treatment of coherent memory and imagery through information reprocessing have equal effectiveness in increasing the quality of life variable (P <0.05). These results were maintained at quarterly follow-up.

Due to the greater effectiveness of reminiscence on life expectancy, it is suggested that this intervention be considered as a technique with easy implementation by mental health experts in nursing homes.