A Pre-Experimental Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Structured Reminiscence Psychotherapy on the Level of Depression among Elderly Residing in Old Age Home

Depression is not a sign of weakness. It can happen to anyone, at any age, no matter your background or your previous accomplishments in life. Depression is common problem in older adults. And its symptoms affect every aspect of life, including energy, appetite, sleep and interest in work, hobbies and relationships. Elderly people are highly prone to mental morbidities due to aging of the brain, problems associated with physical health, socioeconomic factors such as break down of the family support systems, decrease in economic independence. Reminiscence refers to recollection of memory from the past. Reminiscence involves exchanging memories with the old and young, friends and relatives, with care giver and professional, passing on information, wisdom and skills, therapeutic reminiscence not only enhances the cure of souls in early old age; it also help to close the gap between the depressing expectation of younger generation and the reality of continued growth in the last half of life. Elderly adults gain satisfaction, confidence and sense of identity from reminiscing. “A pre-experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of structured reminiscence psychotherapy on the level of depression among elderly residing in old age home at selected areas of tricity.” Total 60 elderly adults of age group 60–80 years were taken by using convenient sampling technique. The pre-test was done by using standardized Beck's Depression Inventory on the level of depression, it contained 21 items. Structured reminiscence psychotherapy was administered to reduce the level of depression. The post-test was conducted by using same depression scale. Collected data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that the level of depression was assessed with Beck's Depression Inventory with 21 items. The level of depression was classified according to severity. In pre-test 28 (46.7%) subjects were moderate level of depression, 26(43.3%) had severe level of depression, 6(10%) had mild mood disturbance and none of them had borderline clinical depression and extreme level of depression. The analysis revealed that the mean value of pre-test was 28.016 with Standard Deviation 6.593 and the mean value of post-test was 21.366 with Standard Deviation 6.436 with t-value 5.834. So there was significant difference between the mean pre-test and post-test scores at p>;0.01 level. Thus it was evident that after intervention the score of post-test was less from pre-test score. It indicates that the structured reminiscence psychotherapy was an effective psychotherapy to reduce the level of depression among elderly.