The impact of reminiscence on the quality of life among institutionalized older people in Ilam, Iran

Abstract

Background: Expression of memory may increase the attention of the elderly to themselves and help them cope with the crises and the process of aging. The purpose of present research was to determine the impact of reminiscence on the quality of life among institutionalized older people in Ilam, Iran. The method of study: The research was carried out based on quasi- experimental approch (pre and post-test). Statistical population was consisteds all the elderly people were institutionalized in nursing homes of Ilam and Ivan. Based on inclusion and excluiosn criteria, 60 participants were chosen. Before intervention, the status of quality of life was evaluated by using SF-36. The intervention was conducted in 8 sessions. The participants expressed their memories such as bitter and sweet memories in different periods of life, and finally the quality of life of the participants was reevaluated according to the same questionnaire. T- Paired test was used to compare the data. Results: Findings of research showed that there was a significant different (p < 0.05) between the scores of pre- and post- intervention in most of the sub- scales of quality of life including physical functionning, role limitations due to physical health, role limitations due to emotional problems ؛emotional well-being ؛social functioning ؛and genral health. Conclusion: Reminiscence may, in certain circumstances, be an effective care option for people living in long-stay settings with potential to impact positively on the quality of life of residents.