Limitations Of Therapeutic Reminiscence Therapy

According to the author McInnis-Dirtich (2014), reminiscence therapy “is geared to guiding an older adult to reminisce about events that reinforce the belief that he or she is worthwhile, a valued human being”. Therapeutic reminiscence has been found to have a positive influence on depression, self-esteem, and socialization among older adults (Adamek & Slater, 2003). The researcher suggests using reminiscence therapy to aid in addressing depression, self-esteem, and socialization with the older age aging population. “Depression constitutes the most common emotional disorder found in older people (Butler, Lewis, & Sunderland, 1991). Estimates of the prevalence of major depressive disorder in the elderly range from 2% to 10% (Blazer, Hughes, & George, 1987), with milder forms …show more content…
Late-life depression can be attributed to extensive losses, including physical decline, bereavement, retirement, and social isolation. Reminiscence therapy is less effective in working with older adults who suffer from severe cognitive limitations. These limitations can be Demetria or any severe mental illness that contributes to disruptive behaviors. “RT entails a progressive return to an awareness of past experiences, both successful and unsuccessful, so that salient life experiences may be reexamined and reintegrated. The life review process gives older people opportunities to place their accomplishments in perspective, to resolve lingering conflicts, and to find new significance and meaning in their lives, thereby relieving the despair and depression that often accompany aging (Butler et al., 1991)”. Life review requires the old