Testing the Feasibility of Using Odors in Reminiscence Therapy in Japan

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this feasibility study was to assess effects of a group reminiscence program using odor stimulation for older adults on depression and subjective well-being. The subjects were 22 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older. The group reminiscence therapy was performed eight times, and the assessment was made at three occasions, i.e., 1 month before the intervention, immediately before the intervention, and immediately after completion of the intervention using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) and Life Satisfaction Index K. Significant changes were discovered in the GDS-15 in the repeated measure analysis of variance. When multiple comparisons were made, significant differences were found between 1 month before the intervention and immediately after completion of the intervention, as well as immediately before the intervention and immediately after completion of the intervention. The results suggested that this group reminiscence therapy might be effective for maintaining the mental health of older adults.

KEYWORDS. :

• community-dwelling older adults
• depression
• group reminiscence therapy
• odor cue