Once thought to be a useless activity or harmless pastime at best, seniors, families and caregivers increasingly recognize the value of reminiscences and life reflection. One of the first researchers to appreciate the power of life stories was Dr. Robert Butler, founder of the New York-based International Longevity Center. In a 1963 paper, he coined the term “Life Review.”

“I was struck some years back by the fact that older people tended to review their life.  At that time whenever people reminisced it was regarded by psychologists and psychiatrists as possible early signs of senility,” Dr. Butler says. “But because we were studying vital, healthier older people, it struck me how important it was for people to come to grips with the kind of life they had led.”

Benefits to Seniors, Caregivers, and Families

There is a growing body of scientific and anecdotal evidence that is helping seniors capture their stories. While not a formally recognized therapy it is a powerful medicine for the client, family, and caregiver. Research shows that personal history writing or reminiscing  improves self-esteem, enhances feelings of control and mastery over life, and often results an a new or expanded vision of one’s life.

For very advanced-age clients, the chance to tell their stories improves cognition, lessens depression and dementia, and improves behavioral functioning.“Writing shakes people out of their same old stories and makes them think differently about their lives,” says Hope Levy of There’s Always Hope, a San Francisco-based Geriatric Consultancy.

“Writing one’s story not only boosts self esteem, reduces stress and anxiety, it is a powerful tool for a senior—or anyone—to visualize and create their future,” Levy says.

Levy cites the example of one of her clients, a woman in her late 70’s who felt depressed and anxious over her own perceived lack of accomplishments in life. Levy assigned her the exercise of writing a letter to herself as a young child.  Then she wrote a letter from her younger self to her present self.

“When she finished with the assignment, she walked out on Cloud Nine,” Levy recalls. “She did it without anybody else, just the writing and her own feedback.”

“It’s never too early or too late to begin, says Levy, who, in her 40’s has worked in lifelong learning throughout her career. “Writing out your thoughts has so many more benefits than simply sitting down and thinking them.”

Life writing activities may be done individually or in structured groups. In group activities, members are encouraged to prepare in advance information about family relationships, life accomplishments, school, work and major life turning points, purposes in life as well as legacies to leave to younger generations.