Expressions of masculine identity through sports-based reminiscence: An ethnographic study with community-dwelling men with dementia

Abstract

Background Despite increasing numbers of men living in isolation with dementia in the community, uptake of supportive interventions remains low. This may be because of limited availability of activities suited to men’s interests. One organisation reporting higher attendance from men is Sporting Memories, offering inclusive sports-based reminiscence and physical activities for men living with dementia. This study aimed to explore the impact of the Sporting Memories intervention on men living with dementia. Method This study was an ethnography employing techniques of participant observation, informal conversations and semi-structured interviews with group participants. Data were woven into a series of narratives using creative non-fiction, to bring life to the first-hand accounts of participants and experiences within a typical group setting. Findings The groups provided an environment for men with dementia to explore, reflect upon and reinforce their masculine identities through the subject of sport. Physical activities further facilitated this embodied demonstration for some, although this was not a feature of all sessions. Conclusions The content of Sporting Memories group sessions provides a vehicle for men to retain an important aspect of personhood. They also hold the potential to present opportunities for men to feel a sense of value by contributing to sessions in varied ways. Facilitators and volunteers require support and training to ensure this benefit is maintained.

Improved Mental Health, Social Connections and Sense of Self: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Exploring the Impact and Experience of Community Reminiscence Programs

“…2021 33 China Effect of reminiscence therapy on spiritual wellbeing Randomized controlled trial SIWB; ULS; BRS Community dwelling volunteers Exp = 60; Ctl = 61 60-plus Exp: 28 w, 32 m; Ctl: 31 w, 30 m Sass. 2021 46 UK To determine what attending a reminiscence group meant to men living with dementia Ethnography, Participant observation; interviews 12 PwD 9 without dementia 13 spouses 12 facilitators 46 59-82 – m PwD; 60-82 – f spouse; 64-75 – other m 20 w 26 m Shellman. 2011 8 USA To explore perceived benefits and functions of reminiscence Qualitative descriptive Six focus groups and participant observations Community-dwelling older African Americans 52 Over 60 (mean 72) 90% w Shellman.…”

“…2021 33 Reminiscence discussion in combination with exercise Structured based on feedback from group To address healthy aging during covid-19 pandemic A quiet and spacious room in the community Face to face in groups Once a week for 8 weeks Members of the research team Exercise: 50–60 mins Control: 45 mins Sass. a 2021 46 Boccia, darts, table tennis, archery, discussion Structured ‘Sporting Memories’ To express masculine identity through sport Community Face to face in groups Weekly for 11 months Not stated Two hours Shellman. 2011 8 Discussion in culturally similar groups Interpersonal and Integrative reminiscence; life review To promote positive mental health and well being Senior centers and churches Face to face groups 6 one off sessions An African-American research assistant Not given Shellman.…”

“…Programs were delivered through group sessions (n = 21), 6 , 8 , 13 , 14 , 26–37 , 39–41 , 45 , 46 , 48 one-on-one (n = 3), 38 , 42 , 43 both group and one-on-one (n = 1) 47 and one virtual community online. 44 Most programs consisted of between 6 and 10 sessions, lasting between 45 minutes and two hours.…”

“…Programs were conducted at community locations, including churches and a museum (n = 13), 8 , 13 , 26 , 27 , 33–35 , 37 , 41 , 45–48 at retirement/senior centers or a nursing home (n = 11), 6 , 8 , 14 , 31 , 32 , 34–36 , 39 , 43 , 47 at health service centers (n = 5), 13 , 28–30 , 40 at home (n = 4), 32 , 38 , 42 , 47 and one online (n = 1). 44 Programs were delivered by nurses, educators, a psychologist, a psychotherapist, a social worker, an occupational therapist, and counsellors (n = 12), 13 , 14 , 26 , 28 , 30–32 , 35 , 36 , 38–40 authors/researchers (n = 6), 8 , 29 , 34 , 42 , 44 , 46 other paid professions (n = 4), 13 , 27 , 37 , 47 volunteers (n = 4), 6 , 43 , 44 , 47 an Aboriginal elder (n = 1) 45 and a museum educator (n = 2). 41 , 48 Of the 27 included studies, only seven were evaluating established community-based programs 14 , 30 , 37 , 41 , 46–48 with the remainder implementing the programs for the research.…”

Reminiscence therapy-based care program serves as an optional nursing modality in alleviating anxiety and depression, improving quality of life in surgical prostate cancer patients

“…under the help of trained nurses [ 10 ]. Apart from the influences on cognitive impairment, over the past two decades, reminiscence therapy has also been elucidated to attenuate anxiety and depression, and improve the life quality in various cerebral diseases, including acute ischemic stroke and dementia [ 11 , 12 ]. However, few cancer patients receive reminiscence therapy, and the rare studies reported on reminiscence therapy were primarily related to colorectal and lung cancers, which show that reminiscence therapy-based care program (RTCP + UC) might relieve anxiety, depression and improve the quality of life in colorectal cancer patients and lung cancer patients [ 13 , 14 ], while no report suggests the same finding in the surgical prostate cancer.…”