Rethinking Reminiscence Activities in Libraries

Abstract: Although reminiscence has been widely used in dementia care since the 1970s, the various models and approaches to reminiscence have not been extensively researched. Reminiscence activities and resources are often offered by libraries as a beneficial activity for people living with dementia based on relatively simplistic understandings of dementia and of the way in which memory works. It is therefore important to reevaluate the approaches taken to reminiscence to ensure that they meet the needs of today's library users. This article argues that a more detailed consideration of the variety of ways in which people's lives can be affected by dementia, as well as the diversity of life experiences among older populations, means that more creative approaches to reminiscence may be helpful. These alternative approaches can draw on memories but are not reliant on them. Instead, they place a strong emphasis on imagination and "small stories" to help ensure that reminiscence resources and activities offered in libraries meet the needs of as many people as possible. This model of reminiscence allows libraries to make more effective use of existing resources, as well as emphasizing the value of different life experiences and making use of sensory stimuli.