The Power of Reminiscence: Reconnecting with the Past Through Music
Reminiscence is an incredible tool for older adults but how can we implement it in our daily interactions with older adults? Read on to find out more.
Reminiscence is a term for an activity which enables older adults to reconnect with cherished memories and experiences from the past. It is especially meaningful for those living with dementia, as engaging with familiar activities, objects, and sounds can boost both cognitive function and emotional well-being. Dementia is a condition that affects over 900,000 people in the UK, and it’s important to recognise that it isn’t just a normal part of ageing. Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by diseases that damage the brain, with Alzheimer’s being the most common form. Symptoms often start mildly but progress over time, affecting memory, understanding, and even behaviour. Us at Home Instead Sutton believe reminiscence is a highly effective way to connect with older adults living with dementia. It not only can evoke positive emotions but can deepen relationships and `boost an individuals sense of identity. According to research from The National Library of Medicine , reminiscence helps improve quality of life for older adults.
Music has been found as an excellent starting off point for a reminiscence session as it has a unique ability to transport individuals back to specific times and places.
Connecting to the Past through Music
One of our Care Professionals experienced the power of music and reminiscence with her client, a former accompanist pianist and music teacher. Early on in their companionship visits, the Care Professional discovered her client’s deep connection to music and the piano. Although the client hadn’t played for years, the Care Professional, knowing a bit of piano herself, encouraged her client to sit beside her at the piano during their visits.
Together, they played simple pieces, with the Care Professional gently supporting and following the client’s lead. This brought back a flood of memories for the client—stories of her time teaching music, performing as an accompanist, and the students whose lives she had touched. These musical moments were not only joyful but also deeply therapeutic, helping her feel connected to her past and boosting her mood.
This example shows how reminiscence, especially through familiar activities like playing an instrument, can unlock powerful memories and create moments of deep connection.
Three Reminiscence Activities for Care Professionals and Family Members
Recent studies by the National Library of Medicine have also highlighted the uncertainty and even guilt that family members can feel when they are unsure how to implement therapies such as reminiscence. With that in mind, here are three simple yet effective activities which can be incorporated into care for older adults:
- Music Sessions
Music can instantly transport older adults back to meaningful times in their lives. Create a playlist of their favourite songs from earlier decades or genres they enjoyed. Sit with them while the music plays and ask open-ended questions about the memories associated with the songs. You might be surprised by the vivid stories and emotions the music brings out.
- Joint Creative Activities
If your loved one or client had a creative hobby like painting, crafting, or playing an instrument, encourage them to revisit this activity. Even if they can’t fully engage as they once did, doing these activities together can spark memories and stimulate conversation. Whether it’s playing a few piano keys or painting with simple strokes, the sensory connection to their past hobby can be incredibly rewarding.
- Photo Albums and Life Story Books
Sitting down with a photo album or life story book filled with images from the client’s past is another excellent way to initiate reminiscence. Go through the photos together, asking them to describe the people, places, and events they remember. This helps ground them in their identity and encourages them to share important life stories.
Conclusion
Reminiscence is a valuable tool that helps older adults reconnect with their past, bringing joy and comfort while promoting cognitive and emotional well-being. Through activities like music sessions, joint creative hobbies, and memory-sharing, Care Professionals and family members can support older adults in revisiting their most cherished memories. In doing so, they help preserve not only the memories themselves but also the person’s sense of self and identity. Getting out and about in the community is also hugely important and can also serve as a way to reminisce. This is an area we are passionate about here at Home Instead Sutton, as seen through our recent blog, ‘The Power of Connection.’
At Home Instead Sutton, we are dedicated to serving you and the older adults in our care. If you would like to find out more about our services and the kind of care we can provide for your loved one, please do get in touch with us.
