The Iranian Protocol of Group Reminiscence and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Institutionalized Older People

Abstract

Purpose

Reminiscence has a positive role in improving memory performance. It may increase the attention of the older adults to themselves, helping them to cope with the crises and the process of aging. We aimed to investigate the impacts of memory recalling, sharing life experiences and stories confidently from the past on promoting numerous domains of quality of life (QoL), among institutionalized older people in the Ilam province of Iran.

Methods

The study was carried out, using a quasi-experimental approach (a pre- and post-one group design). The statistical population consisted of all older people who were institutionalized in nursing homes. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 43 potential participants were recruited, and the status of QoL was assessed, using the Iranian short-form health survey (SF-36) and face to face interviews. Then, eight sessions were designed and implemented. The participants expressed their memories such as bitter and sweet memories at various periods of life, and finally, the QoL of the participants was re-evaluated according to the same questionnaire, three months after the intervention.

Results

There was a significant difference between the scores of pre- and post-intervention in most of the sub-scales of QoL, including physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health and emotional problems, emotional well-being, social functioning, and general health.

Conclusion

Reminiscence may, in certain circumstances, be an effective care option for people living in long-term care with the potential to impact positively on the QoL of residents.

Keywords:

• reminiscence
• quality of life
• older people
• nursing homes
• Ilam

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets analyzed in the current study are available upon request from the corresponding author.

Acknowledgments

We sincerely appreciate the Deputy of Research and Technology for valuable supports. We are also most grateful for the assistance provided by the facilitators and participants.

Author Contributions

As scholars, we attempted to do high-quality research that advance science. We correspondingly used an appropriate research methodology. We also have read and reviewed the manuscript carefully several times, received feedback from our colleagues, and identified the aims and scope of the journals in our target research area. All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas. Moreover, all authors drafted or written, or substantially revised or critically reviewed the article. They agreed on the journal where the article will be submitted, and reviewed and agreed on all versions of the article before submission, during revision, and approved the final manuscript. All authors agree to take responsibility and be accountable for the contents of the article.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.