Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026

08:25
Collecting Saliva and Measuring Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase in Frail Community Residing Older Adults via Family Caregivers
Published on: December 18, 2013
Oral history: Validating contributions of elders
Lois B Taft1, Mary Ellen Stolder, Alice Briolat Knutson
1Department of Nursing Systems at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, USA.
Summary
Recording World War II memories humanizes geriatric care and validates elders. This oral history project highlights themes of patriotism, loss, and resilience, offering reciprocal benefits for participants and listeners.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Care
- Oral History
- Psychosocial Interventions
Background:
- Oral history projects can enhance geriatric care by incorporating personal narratives.
- World War II memories offer significant historical and personal value for older adults.
- This study explores the impact of recording World War II memories in a geriatric setting.
Observation:
- Participants shared diverse themes including patriotism, loss, and self-sufficiency.
- Participants' ethnic backgrounds were primarily Scandinavian, Dutch, German, and English.
- Participants included nursing home residents (mean age 85.5) and community residents (mean age 82.4), with 58% women and 35% veterans.
Findings:
- Recording World War II memories humanizes geriatric care and provides historical context.
- The oral history process validated and involved elders, fostering reciprocal benefits.
- Themes of resilience, patriotism, and coping mechanisms emerged from the narratives.
Implications:
- Oral history can create a therapeutic environment, enhancing the well-being of elders.
- Valuing and listening to elders' stories supports their sense of self and connection.
- This intervention demonstrates a meaningful approach to geriatric care and memory preservation.
Related Concept Videos
Life Histories
Constrained by limited energy and resources, organisms must compromise between offspring quantity and parental investment. This trade-off is represented by two primary reproductive strategies; K-strategists produce few offspring but provide substantial parental support, whereas r-strategists produce much progeny that receives little care. These strategies are related to an organism’s survival likelihood across its lifespan, which is represented by a survivorship curve. Three general types of...
Archival Research
Some researchers gain access to large amounts of data without interacting with a single research participant. Instead, they use existing records to answer various research questions. This type of research approach is known as archival research. Archival research relies on looking at past records or data sets to look for interesting patterns or relationships. For example, a researcher might access the academic records of all individuals who enrolled in college within the past ten years and...
What is Evolutionary History?
Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.Phylogenetic trees illustrate the evolutionary relationships among these organisms. Scientists infer organisms’ common ancestry by evaluating shared morphological and genetic characteristics. Together, the fossil...
Data Collection I
Data collection gathers information needed to make accurate judgments about a patient's present condition. During a health history interview, subjective data is collected from the patient, their caregivers, or family members, and objective data is collected through observations and physical assessment. Patients are the primary source of subjective data. Thus information gathered from patients through interviews, observations, and physical examination is primary data. Secondary sources of data...
Data Collection II
The nursing history captures and records the patient's health status, so that a care plan evolves to meet the patient's individual needs. The nursing health history is a part of the initial assessment. A comprehensive history covers all health dimensions and plays a significant role in the assessment process. A comprehensive history includes the patient's biographical information, reasons for seeking health care, expectations, present and past health history, medications, and family,...
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities

