Reminiscence and Life Review

Chapter 11, “Reminiscence and Life Review: Theory and Practice,” examines the history and theory of reminiscence and life review, outlining their major tenets and principles. A major function of these two approaches is to foster a sense of meaning within the lives of older adults. Various types of reminiscence and life review are highlighted with the connection to meaning-making activities of older individuals. The therapeutic function of life review, which enables individuals to reconcile past experiences that have left pain or feelings of incompleteness, is discussed, and differing types of life review are described. The primary functions of reminiscence are also examined, as are the practice applications of both approaches. Additionally, particular populations for which these approaches have been successfully implemented are highlighted, including trauma survivors and the cognitively impaired. A case study of life review with an older woman experiencing depression following the loss of a son is provided.