Themes in reminiscence groups with older women

The preponderance of older women in the United States is apparent to all professionals in health care for elderly individuals. Because there is much emphasis on health care promotion for all age groups, providers of health care seek strategies for health promotion for older women. Although the literature is replete with information on reminiscence in general, and specifically reminiscence group therapy, there has been little discussion about the use of themes in reminiscence therapy groups. There are no publications about themes appropriate for reminiscence groups composed solely of older women. This article is based on three research studies and analyzes themes used in the three protocols for those studies. Appropriate themes for an all women's group are discussed and implications for practice are suggested.