Older people's experience of participating in a reminiscence group with a gerotranscendental perspective: reminiscence group with a gerotranscendental perspective in practice

Tornstam's theory of gerotranscendence provides the theoretical underpinning for two small reminiscence groups that met for eight weekly sessions in a Swedish daycentre. Tornstams's theoretical perspective provides a developmental model for understanding positive progressive changes in values, attitudes and behaviour in the second half of life. Practical guidelines derived from this theory informed the group-work approach used. Participants' opinions about their reminiscence experience were analysed to determine the relevance of gerotranscendental theory as a basis for understanding older people's use of reminiscence in the ageing process. The study aimed at investigating older peoples' experiences of participating in a reminiscence group with a gerotranscendental perspective. The study used a qualitative approach. Older people were invited to participate in reminiscence group sessions arranged at a daycentre. When the sessions were finished, participants were interviewed about their experience of the reminiscence group. Data were analysed and categorized by using qualitative methods. The participants were satisfied with the arrangement of the group sessions. All participants believed they had reminisced and thought much more about their childhood and also recalled other memories from their lives during the period. Three quite different views emerged of the recall experience and effects of participating in the reminiscence group: 'An activity like any other; an activity that led to thoughts about memories from life or an activity that influenced my thoughts about life.' Findings suggest that it is possible to arrange reminiscence groups from a gerotranscendental perspective that serve as an intervention in gerontological nursing. This paper provides some guidance concerning how this type of group may be arranged and the various categories of participant response that may be expected.