What is reminiscence?
Reminiscence is a concept that carries different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It can be used in a general sense (see Van Dale dictionary), it can be used in a therapeutic sense (see Bohlmeijer), it can be used within elderly care as both a therapy and as a non-therapeutic intervention (see Hamburger).
In elderly care, the term ‘reminiscence work’ is also used.
Reminiscence consists of interventions to evoke and shape memories of processed experiences.
The descriptions below illustrate what this involves:
Van Dale Dictionary
A phenomenon that evokes memories of something similar from the past.
Prof. Alfons Marcoen, University of Leuven
Thinking back, recalling memories of and/or lingering with memories of events from the past in a more or less vivid and emotionally charged manner.
Van Dale Dictionary
Reminiscence: A memory of a phenomenon from the past that shows similarity to a current observation.
Prof. Faith Gibson, Ulster University:
Reminiscence work has many different approaches, depending on the knowledge, skills, confidence and experience of the people who use it.
It is not a set of exhaustively tested techniques. Rather, it is a loose collection of ideas resulting in diverse approaches, activities and practices that vary depending on the aim and the setting in which it takes place.
Dr. Ernst Bohlmeijer
Reminiscence is a form of care in which the recall of memories is central.
Pollo Hamburger, coordinator reminiscence department Flevohuis
Reminiscence consists of interventions to evoke and shape memories of processed experiences.
The Wonder Phone
A wonderful initiative is the Wonder Phone! It is an old-fashioned telephone that has been converted so that when you dial a number, your chosen song plays through the receiver. The Wonder Phone is aimed at people with dementia. Because the songs to choose from all come from the past, this group has strong recognition of them, resulting in a lovely moment of joy. This invention has since become very popular and has been recreated on a large scale by various enthusiasts. More info.
