Combining Reminiscence with Journal Writing to Promote Greater Life Satisfaction in an Assisted-Living Community

Abstract The Leave-A-Legacy Program at Alterra Wynwood in Leominster, Massachusetts, is an example of a successfully emergent, multi-faceted, reminiscence and writing program within an assisted-living community. A group of residents meet voluntarily once a month, along with a facilitator, to read aloud from their journals, write and reminisce. The program has an enthusiastic facilitator who contributes greatly to its success by encouraging its members to translate their newly recalled memories into a journal where they can be clearly organized. Consequently, these memories and stories will be preserved on paper and available to read for many generations. The members benefit from therapeutic reminiscence sessions, which enhance their social relations and improve memory by sharing personal stories from their youth. Additional benefits accrued through the writing program include reduced anxiety and the capability to boost one's immune system.

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