Reminiscence: a nonformal technique for improving cognitive functioning in the aged

This study investigated the effect of a structured reminiscent intervention program upon cognitive functioning of the elderly. The sample consisted of 105 volunteers residing in a public housing complex in central Pennsylvania. Using an experimental design, the volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. One group was given learning tasks to be performed using material from their past personal lives. A second group was asked to perform operations on new material and a control group was pre and posttested but given no treatment. It was found that females in the reminiscent group significantly improved scores of cognitive functioning as measured by the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices. Secondly, compared with the control Group, both the reminiscent and new material groups improved performance as a result of the planned learning activities. Both findings suggest that attempts to stimulate cognitive functioning in older people are worth undertaking, and that memories can provide the material for such activities.