Working with reminiscence as an activity in elderly homes

Reminiscence, or retrospection, is an activity where elderly individuals get the chance to share memories and experiences from their lives. This method is not only a meaningful and enjoyable activity, but also has many positive effects on the elderly's mental and emotional wellbeing. This article describes how to work with reminiscence as an activity in elderly homes and what benefits it can bring.

What is reminiscence?

Reminiscence involves going back in time with the elderly and exploring memories from their lives. It could be about talking about childhood, working life, family or other significant events. By sharing memories, the elderly can feel a greater sense of context and meaning, while it strengthens their self-esteem and identity.

Often, it is good to have old objects, old pictures or other things that connect to the life that the resident has had.

Why is reminiscence important for the elderly?

For older individuals, especially people with memory loss, reminiscence can have several positive effects.

- Strengthens self-esteem and identity – By sharing memories, the elderly can feel seen and valued.
- Improves mood and reduces loneliness – Talking about positive memories can create joy and strengthen social bonds.
- Prevents cognitive decline – Activating memory and reflecting on past events can stimulate the brain and keep it active.
- Creates a sense of context – Reflecting on one's life can provide a greater understanding of one's own life story.

How can you work with reminiscence in elderly homes?

There are many ways to work with reminiscence as an activity in elderly homes.

Create a safe and supportive environment

For reminiscence to be meaningful, it is important to create a safe and supportive environment where the elderly feel comfortable sharing their memories.
- Choosing a calm and relaxed environment – For example, a common room with comfortable seating.
- Using objects and pictures – Physical objects or photographs can serve as a starting point for conversation.
- Show respect and patience – Let the elderly take their time and show that you are interested in what they have to tell.

Use different themes and methods

To make reminiscence more engaging, you can work with different themes and methods.
- Childhood – Talk about school time, toys or the childhood home.
- Working life – Reflect on different professions and workplaces.
- Family and friends – Share memories from family holidays, trips or other social contexts.
- Historical events – Discuss how they experienced major events such as wars, technological advances or royal weddings.

Examples of methods:
- Group conversations – Gather a small group of residents and let them share memories around a common theme.
- Individual conversations – Give the residents the opportunity to talk one-on-one with a staff member or volunteer.
- Creative activities – Use memories as inspiration to write poems, paint or create memory books.

Include relatives and volunteers

Relatives and volunteers can play an important role in reminiscence activities. They can contribute their own memories or ask questions that get the elderly to reflect on their lives. It can also create a sense of community and strengthen the relationships between the residents and their relatives.

Document and share memories

To make reminiscence activities more meaningful, you can document and share memories in different ways.
- Memory books – Create a book with photographs, texts and memories that the residents can partake in.
- Exhibitions – Display photographs, objects or artworks that have been created during reminiscence activities.
- Digital presentations – Use technology to create digital presentations or films that share memories.

Reflection questions - Reminiscence

Care staff
- How do you work with reminiscence as an activity at your elderly home?
- What challenges do you see in engaging the residents in reminiscence activities?

Manager, nurse, occupational therapist and physiotherapist
- How do you view the importance of reminiscence for the residents' wellbeing?
- How can you work to integrate reminiscence into the activity planning of the operation?

Residents and relatives
- Do you feel that your relative has the opportunity to participate in reminiscence activities?
- How do you perceive the effect of reminiscence on your relative's wellbeing?

Erland Olsson  
Specialist nurse  
Sofrosyne - Better care every day