[For Seniors] Ideal for Dementia Prevention: Easy-to-Practice Reminiscence Therapy Topics
In recent years, “reminiscence therapy” has been drawing attention as a way to help prevent dementia in older adults.
Reminiscence therapy is a type of treatment that activates the brain by recalling and talking about one’s past and earlier experiences.
It is believed to help prevent dementia and slow its progression, and is being adopted in elder care facilities such as day service centers.
There are many themes related to the past that can be used when conducting reminiscence therapy.
So this time, we’ll introduce themes that are useful for reminiscence therapy and can be frequently used in caregiving settings.
Please feel free to use them as a reference.
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[For Seniors] Ideal for Dementia Prevention: Easy-to-Practice Reminiscence Therapy Topics (21–30)
First job
Among older adults, some may have worked during what is called the period of rapid economic growth.
This refers to the roughly 20-year span starting in 1955 when the economy was exceptionally strong.
Try asking older people about their first jobs and whether they ever changed careers.
Depending on the region, some may have taken a train to move to Tokyo and find employment after graduating from school.
They may also have lived through the booming Bubble Economy.
You might hear stories about being recognized for their first job and being promoted to a managerial position, as well as tales about their bosses and subordinates.
Extracurricular activities I did during my school days
Some older adults may have taken lessons when they were students.
In Japan today, lessons have become quite diverse—cram schools, swimming, English conversation, and more.
It seems that when today’s seniors were students, there weren’t as many options as there are now.
Even so, some took music-related lessons like piano or koto.
Depending on the era, there were also lessons such as calligraphy and waka (classical Japanese poetry).
In some regions, there were customs like, “If you’re going to marry, you must be able to do X,” and some people underwent bridal training at home.
As you listen to their stories about those times, try asking older adults about the lessons they took and what they learned.
An embarrassing story
Embarrassing moments that everyone has experienced at least once are one of the best themes for livening up a conversation.
Those times when you couldn’t help but blush, or episodes that seem funny in hindsight, easily draw empathy from listeners and help get the conversation going.
Sharing stories like “It was tough back then, but now it’s a good memory” can create a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
Tales of mishaps or clumsy mistakes are things we can enjoy talking about more as we get older.
By sharing and laughing together about embarrassing experiences, you can build a stronger sense of closeness.
Places I went to recently
When it comes to topics that help older adults bond and make new discoveries, a great one is places they’ve visited recently.
Looking back on where they’ve been—nearby parks, walking paths, or travel destinations—naturally opens up the conversation.
Sharing discoveries and experiences from those visits makes it easier for others to take interest.
Hearing about where participants have gone lately might even give people ideas for new outings.
Recalling enjoyable moments and memorable scenery from their trips creates a warm atmosphere and can be the spark that brings everyone closer together.
What was the first job you had?
Many older adults seem to remember experiences from their working years—such as stories about their first job—as fond memories.
Depending on the generation, men may often talk about work, while women may often talk about raising children.
So, depending on the situation, you might consider asking men about the nature of their work and women about their parenting experiences.
Older adults are seniors in life to the staff members.
It might be helpful to seek their advice about your own work or child-rearing.
From there, the conversation may develop and expand.
What song did you like when you were a child?
Let’s try listening to the songs older adults loved when they were children.
There may be songs they sang with family and friends, or ones they learned at school.
Along with the songs, some people may vividly recall the scenes and memories from when they sang them.
This seems connected to reminiscence therapy, a psychological approach that can help prevent dementia.
It’s said that recalling the past through music and songs can provide a change of mood and help with relaxation.
It would also be fun to sing the memorable songs of older adults together.
What was your childhood dream?
Some older adults may vividly remember their childhood.
Asking about the dreams they had when they were children might encourage them to share many nostalgic stories from the past.
Reflecting on past memories is also expected to be effective as brain training.
Moreover, listening attentively and with interest to older adults can help build deep trust.
In nursing homes and day service centers, taking the time to carefully listen to older adults strengthens trust and contributes to providing high-quality care.