Effects of reminiscence therapy for loneliness in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Loneliness has detrimental effects on the mental well-being of senior citizens. Reminiscence therapies have emerged as a potential intervention to alleviate loneliness. This study aimed to systematically review and quantitatively analyse the effects of reminiscence therapy on loneliness among older adults.

A comprehensive search was performed across 11 electronic databases, meta-analyses were used to explore the effectiveness of reminiscence therapy on loneliness among older adults, while multiple subgroup analyses were conducted to explore differences in the effectiveness of different types of reminiscence therapy. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated that reminiscence therapy significantly reduced loneliness in older adults (standard mean difference = -1.52, 95% CI [-2.11, -0.93], P < .01). Subgroup analyses showed significant effects for both simple reminiscence and life review therapy. Group reminiscence therapy was more effective than individual reminiscence therapy, and that reminiscence therapy conducted by professional facilitators was more effective than that led by non-professionals.

Reminiscence therapy is an effective intervention for reducing loneliness among older adults, highlighting its importance in clinical practice. Future research should explore the best practices for different types of reminiscence therapies, tailored to the personal needs and backgrounds of older adults.