The effects of reminiscence on self-health perception and self-esteem of institutionalized elderly in Taiwan

Abstract

This study examined the effects of reminiscence on self-health perception and self-esteem of elderly people residing in long-term care facilities. A longitudinal quasi-experimental design was conducted, using two equivalent groups for pre-post test and purposive sampling. Each subject was administered pre- and post-tests at a 4-month interval. Subjects in the experimental group underwent weekly intervention. Forty-eight subjects participated in the study, with 24 in the control group and 24 in the experimental group. The findings indicated that the experimental group demonstrated better self-health perception. In summary, Reminiscence not only supports self-health perception of the elderly but also empower nurses to become proactive in their daily nursing care activities. Efforts to improve health perceptions of the elderly may also reach consequences on their quality of life.