Reminiscence triggers in community-dwelling older adults in Japan

Abstract

Introduction Visual and auditory cues have been highlighted as methods to trigger reminiscences; however, the basis of this practice remains unclear. Here we conducted a preliminary cross-sectional study to identify reminiscence cues and their scientific basis by investigating the relationship between reminiscences in elderly people and their reminiscence cues. Method The participants were 126 older adults aged 65 years or over. They were asked about the experiences of reminiscences in response to stimuli such as photographs, music, or smells. Data on the frequency and quality of reminiscences were collected. Geriatric depression scale and simple personality test for the elderly were assessed. Results A multiple regression analysis revealed that reminiscences tended to be more frequent in older and less sociable participants. Highly sociable participants with reminiscences in response to olfactory stimuli tended to have positive reminiscences, while participants with less sociability and past unresolved issues tended to have negative reminiscences. Conclusion To understand the process of reminiscence in an older person, it is important to consider the person’s age, personality characteristics, and past unresolved issues. In addition, olfactory stimuli may also evoke pleasant reminiscences.