The life review: an unrecognized bonanza

Historically, doctors have not entertained a broad enough view of the total human life cycle. While much attention has been focused on infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood as times of growth and change, we have all but ignored the later years and the often marvelous characteristics of "the survivors." The use of standardized methods for evaluating the mental and physical status of old people has deprived both practitioners and patients of the richness of life-long experiences. By taking the time to attentively listen to their patients' reflections of the past, physicians can help advance our growing understanding of human aging and expand the repertoire of mechanisms that are useful in clinical practice.