The Effectiveness of Group Reminiscence on Life Quality, General Health and Loneliness in Elderly

Aging is natural process in human life and is result of gradual decline of vital organs of body. Social, cultural, economic and individual factors (like sex, race, and age) affect time and degree of aging. The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of reminiscence on life quality, general health and loneliness in elderly. A quasi experimental design with pre-test and post-test and control group was used. Research instruments consisted of World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (short form), Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire, Loneliness Scale and Reminiscence Package. Participants were 60 to 80 year old elderly (35 male and 35 female) who were resident in Qazvin City in Iran. Participants were chosen based on availability. Two groups (1experimental group and 1control groups) were included in study. Experimental groups participated in reminiscence intervention (12 sessions) but control groups had no intervention about reminiscence. Results indicated that reminiscence decreased loneliness feeling, enhanced general health in elderly but group reminiscence was not effective in elderly quality of life. It is argued that reminiscence can be used in family and nursing homes to increase mental health and decrease loneliness feelings. Key words : general health, loneliness, life quality, reminiscence