From a presentation by Renee’ Zucchero, Associate Professor at Xavier University**

• “the power of story lies in the act of telling and the human interaction that surrounds it” – Meuser (2011, p. 188), emphasis added
•  “It is not the process of life review but the achievement of integrity in such a life review that promotes successful aging” – Wong and Watt (1991, p. 277), emphasis added
• Use of multi-media [Chonody & Wang (2013)] Conclusions
  • Opportunity to string many emotions, events, joys, and difficulties from their lives had positive impact on their introspection and expressing selves to others
  • The manner in which older adults portrayed through mechanisms to which younger generations are connected may facilitate inter-generational connections
• A concluding thought … “reminiscence is above all about re- remembering, putting things together again, seeking, receiving and communicating meaning” –Coleman (2005, p. 294)

** References for each of the citations above are

• Meuser, T. M. (2011). Oral life review in older adults: Principles for the social service professional. In Enhancing Cognitive Fitness in Adults (pp. 183-198). Springer New York.
• Wong, P. T., & Watt, L. M. (1991). What types of reminiscence are associated with successful aging?. Psychology and Aging, 6(2), 272.
• Chonody, J., & Wang, D. (2013). Connecting Older Adults to the Community Through Multimedia: An Intergenerational Reminiscence Program. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 37(1), 79-93.
• Coleman, P. G. (2005). Uses of reminiscence: Functions and benefits. Aging and Mental Health, 9, 291-294.

—————————————————————————————–

“Memories are a gift from God to those left behind. They bring comfort, joy and laughter; and they enable me to live forever in the hearts of those I love.”  — Nancy Groves in Living with Illness