Reminiscence Therapy for Older Adults

Reminiscence therapy is a therapeutic technique that focuses on recalling past life events to strengthen memory, boost mental activity, and improve well-being in older adults. While it’s often used with patients who have dementia or Alzheimer’s to treat memory loss, reminiscence therapy has many other beneficial implications. Older adults can use reminiscence therapy to reduce depression symptoms, treat other behavioral and psychological symptoms, address loneliness, and improve overall mood. Read on to understand more about reminiscence therapy, and how you or your loved one can easily get started.

Key takeaways

• Reminiscence therapy is a clinical approach designed to help individuals reflect on meaningful life experiences and is proven to improve mental health, self-esteem, loneliness, and social connection.
• It is most effective for seniors with depression, mild cognitive impairment, feelings of social isolation, and difficulty adjusting to life changes, like retirement or loss of a loved one.
• Therapy focuses on positive memories and creating a comfortable atmosphere through individual, group, or virtual settings.

What is reminiscence therapy?

Reminiscence therapy helps older adults reflect on and share meaningful memories from their lives to support mental and emotional well-being. It’s different from nostalgia or casual reminiscing that happens spontaneously. Reminiscence therapy applies a structured and measurable method of memory retrieval that is intentional and goal oriented. 

Components of reminiscence therapy for seniors 

While sharing stories is natural, clinical reminiscence therapy is a structured process designed to actively support mental health. Generally, this approach:

• Is led by a trained facilitator, such as a therapist, social worker, or nurse
• Uses prompts, themes, and cues to guide meaningful reflection
• Aims to improve mood, self-esteem, social connection, and life satisfaction
• Evaluates progress over time to monitor improvements in emotional well-being

In reminiscence therapy, seniors can expect to explore significant memories—such as proud moments, challenges they’ve overcome, and meaningful relationships. These reflections go beyond simple storytelling to focus on identifying personal strengths, learning coping strategies, and finding a renewed sense of meaning.

Different types of reminiscence therapies

Therapy sessions can be held individually with a therapist, or in group settings at senior centers, assisted living communities, or support groups. Mental health providers can apply different types of reminiscence therapy depending on the reason for treatment and desired outcomes, including: 

• Simple reminiscence: Sharing memories to boost enjoyment and social connection
• Integrative reminiscence: Reflecting on life events to find acceptance and meaning
• Instrumental reminiscence: Focusing on past problem-solving to build resilience
• Transmissive reminiscence: Sharing personal stories and wisdom with younger generations

How is reminiscence therapy different from life review therapy?

While reminiscence therapy and life review therapy both involve eliciting memories, they are distinct therapy approaches with different goals.

Reminiscence therapy

• Goal of therapy: Pleasure, comfort, and socialization
• Depth of therapy: Generally light and supportive
• Session structure: More spontaneous and informal; can be group-based
• Subject matter: Usually focuses on distant, pleasant memories
  
  

Life review therapy

• Goal of therapy: Find acceptance and resolution by revisiting challenging memories
• Depth of therapy: Deeper work that may elicit traumatic or painful memories
• Session structure: Typically highly structured, individual sessions arranged chronologically
• Subject matter: Explores a person’s full life story, often addressing regret and guilt

How effective is reminiscence therapy for older adults?

Research shows that reminiscence therapy is effective for improving mood, reducing symptoms of depression, and decreasing loneliness in older adults. In one study, it was found to significantly increase older adults' remission from depression and quality of life immediately after the intervention. Reminiscence therapy has also been shown to improve cognitive function and emotional well-being in individuals with dementia.

Studies find that reminiscence therapy is most effective for seniors with:

• Depression
• Mild cognitive impairment  
• Feelings of loneliness and/or social isolation
• Difficulty adjusting to life changes like retirement or loss of a loved one

It’s important to note that the majority of research focuses on immediate benefits following reminiscence therapy. For example, a person might experience a mood boost following a treatment session. Longer term effects of reminiscence therapy are still being studied. The most effective results come from interventions lasting over time, with many studies suggesting 6-8 weeks of treatment or longer. If you or a loved one is experiencing depression, social isolation, or having difficulty with life transitions, reminiscence therapy can be an avenue worth exploring with your provider.

How reminiscence therapy supports mental health

Many elements of reminiscence therapy also help to support overall mental health in older adults. Research has found that reminiscence therapy reduces symptoms of depression through the meaning and understanding that results from recall and storytelling.

When seniors share life stories, they can experience:

• A reinforced sense of identity and meaning
• The ability to reframe difficult experiences and build resilience
• Increased feelings of being understood and valued

When older adults are prompted to remember past achievements, they strengthen their sense of self and their ability to cope with current challenges. In fact, studies show that recalling achievements can lead to improved self-esteem, stronger emotional resilience, and increased life satisfaction among older adults.

Meaningful social interaction paired with emotional reflection also combats feelings of loneliness in older adults. Reminiscence therapy, especially when done in a group setting, has been shown to: 

• Boost peer engagement and bonding 
• Reduce feelings of loneliness
• Strengthen feelings of social belonging and support

What to expect during a reminiscence therapy session

During a session, you will meet with a trained facilitator who guides you through a supportive discussion that encourages reflection and storytelling. Sessions can take place in a small group or individually, and typically last 30–60 minutes.

Therapists might introduce sensory cues or multi-sensory triggers to enhance memory retrieval. 

• Sensory cues focus on stimulating only one sensation at a time, such as using a photo to engage sight or music to engage your hearing. 
• Multi-sensory triggers are tools that are used in combination to stimulate more than one sensation at a time, such as a photograph paired with a sound to engage both visual and auditory senses at once. 

With both of these tools, the idea is to create a more immersive experience.

Examples of sensory cues can include:

• Photographs or mementos
• Music from a specific era
• Scents, textures and objects
• Letters or journals

Common conversation prompts used in reminiscence therapy

Therapists often use prompts to help you retrieve memories and tell a story, such as: 

• “Tell me about a moment you felt proud of yourself.”
• “Who is someone that has influenced your life?”
• “Describe a challenge you’ve overcome.”
• “What parts of your life bring you the most meaning and joy?”

Chronological vs. thematic approaches

Treatment approaches in reminiscence therapy can vary, and a therapist will decide which approach is best for you. The most common methods are:

• Chronological: Therapy progresses in order of life stages from childhood to later in life.
• Thematic: Therapy focuses on meaningful life themes such as relationships and achievements.

Is reminiscence therapy right for me?

Reminiscence therapy is especially effective for older adults experiencing emotional or social challenges with or without a formal diagnosis, and is a good fit for those who:

• Experience mild to moderate depression
• Feel lonely or socially isolated
• Are adjusting to retirement, loss, or changes in health
• Want to boost self-esteem or resilience

Reminiscence therapy may not be suitable for people who:

• Have unresolved major trauma such as PTSD
• Experience emotional distress or immense guilt when talking about or remembering the past
• Are under severe stress or experiencing new or worsened mental health symptoms
• Struggle with obsessive thoughts or severe depression

If you’re uncertain whether reminiscence therapy is a good approach, you can speak with a mental health provider who will help determine the best treatment. 

How to get started with reminiscence therapy

If you want to try reminiscence therapy, there are many paths available that are simple and accessible, especially with modern telehealth options.

Practical first steps:

• Talk with a licensed therapist, counselor, or social worker about beginning reminiscence therapy
• Ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation for a therapist who offers reminiscence-based or narrative therapy approaches
• Consider whether you’d prefer individual or group sessions
• Try a few sessions to see if this therapy approach feels supportive and meaningful to you

Sailor Health offers a complimentary call with our director of care to help match you with a therapist who can create a personalized care plan. 

Can reminiscence therapy be done virtually?

Yes, virtual therapy is an option for reminiscence therapy. Research on telehealth shows that video or phone therapy can be effective for older adults, particularly for talk therapy. Benefits of virtual reminiscence therapy include participating from the comfort of home, and having immediate access to personal photos or objects that can be shared during the session.  

How Sailor Health can help

By simplifying the process of finding and starting therapy, Sailor Health helps seniors take meaningful steps toward improved mood, reduced loneliness, and greater overall well-being.

Because we specialize in mental health for older adults, Sailor Health makes it easier for seniors to connect with therapists who understand aging-related mental health needs. We accept Medicare, and most of our Medicare patients have a $0 copay. 

To learn more about how you can get started with affordable and accessible telehealth services to support your mental health, reach out to us today.

Reminiscence Therapy FAQ

Does Medicare cover reminiscence therapy?

Medicare doesn’t have a specific billing code for reminiscence therapy, but it does cover psychotherapy for conditions such as depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and many other mental health diagnoses. A therapist might use reminiscence therapy techniques as part of a covered psychotherapy session if they determine it is part of the treatment plan for the eligible mental health condition. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to begin therapy.

Can I do reminiscence therapy on my own with my parents or loved ones?

While you cannot perform reminiscence therapy without a license, you can engage in informal reminiscence-style conversations with a parent or loved one to strengthen your bond and revisit fond memories. 

Reminiscence therapy should only be provided by a licensed medical professional for these reasons:

• Reminiscence therapy involves structured techniques and learned skills that provide therapeutic benefit to support mood, identity, and coping.
• Therapists are skilled at providing a safe and positive environment, and helping individuals to process emotions constructively.
• A professional is trained to navigate distress or difficult emotions that may arise from certain memories. 

Is reminiscence therapy just for people with memory loss?

No. Reminiscence therapy is not limited to people with memory loss or cognitive conditions. While it can be effective for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, reminiscence therapy also shows benefits for older adults without cognitive impairment. In particular, it has been shown to improve mental health outcomes including mood, self-esteem, loneliness, and life satisfaction.

How many reminiscence therapy sessions does it take to see benefits?

Most research suggests to engage in 6-8 sessions of reminiscence therapy. Measurable results in mood, loneliness, or self-esteem typically occur when individuals attend multiple sessions over several weeks. Although, there is plenty of research showing that people can notice benefits such as improved mood immediately following a session.

References

1. Fernandes, G., Figueiredo, T., Costa, E., Coelho, L., & Loyens, D. (2025). Impact of telehealth on health outcomes and quality of life in the older adults population: A systematic review. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12756505/
2. Khan, A., Bleth, A., Bakpayev, M., & Imtiaz, N. (2022). Reminiscence therapy in the treatment of depression in the elderly: Current perspectives. Journal of Ageing and Longevity, 2(1), 34–48. https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9259/2/1/4 
3. Laidlaw, R. J., McGrath, R., Adams, C., Kumar, S., & Murray, C. M. (2023). Improved mental health, social connections and sense of self: A mixed methods systematic review exploring the impact and experience of community reminiscence programs. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10729907/
4. Liu, Z., Yang, F., Lou, Y., Zhou, F., & Tong, W. (2021). The effectiveness of reminiscence therapy on alleviating depressive symptoms in older adults: A systematic review. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8415872/
5. Yanagida, N., Yamaguchi, T., & Matsunari, Y. (2024). Evaluating the impact of reminiscence therapy on cognitive and emotional outcomes in dementia patients. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11204563/
6. Wu, L. (2011). Group integrative reminiscence therapy on self-esteem, life satisfaction and depressive symptoms in institutionalised older veterans. Journal of Clinical Nursing. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03699.x
7. Zeleníková, R., Hosáková, J., Kozáková, R., Bobčíková, K., & Bužgová, R. (2025). The effect of reminiscence therapy on the assessment of depression, anxiety and self-esteem in community-dwelling older adults: An intervention study. International Journal of Older People Nursing, 20(1), e70004. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11647434/