Sharing the memories. The value of reminiscence as a research tool

Reminiscence may be considered a tool for health promotion in that its use may prevent depression, hopelessness, and a general failure to thrive. Its use may thus result in an elderly person coping at home, perhaps avoiding hospitalization or institutionalization. The opportunity to reminiscence gives older people sanction to remember as they will; to play the roles of storyteller and image maker, to engage in life review, and, perhaps, to see their memories as a valuable contribution to society and their own lives as worthy. Reminiscence is a tool for life review, storytelling, creation of a meaningful myth, and maintenance of self-esteem that gerontological nurses cannot continue to neglect.