Reminiscence, Adaptation, and Social Context in Old Age

Abstract

It is commonly believed that reminiscence is adaptive in late life, but the sparse research on this topic has produced mixed results. This article suggests that one reason for inconsistent findings is the failure to consider social contexts. Interview data from three subgroups of residents of two retirement communities (widowed men, widowed women, and single women; N = 43) revealed sharp differences in the relationship between key aspects of reminiscence and two measures of adaptation (life satisfaction and self-esteem). For widowed men, elaboration of memories, life reviewing, and high importance of others were associated with positive adaptation, but the reverse was true for widowed women. Single women were intermediate, but those who had high peer contact were most similar to the adaptive pattern of the widowed women. Widowed men with high peer contact were most different from the widowed women. Several explanations for these differences are considered, including gender-role differences, life-course continuity, and the social composition of the retirement communities.

Retirement from sport and the loss of athletic identity

“…Although there is debate about the extent of positive and negative change produced by retirement (Palmore, Fillenbaum, & George, 1984), studies indicate that it is sometimes associated with reductions in perceived control, lowered self-esteem, and decreases in general life satisfaction (Crowley, 1989;David, 1990;O'Brien, 1981). High-level athletes are not immune to these negative consequences.…”

Biased recollections in older adults: The role of implicit theories of aging.

“…This form of reminiscence might be expected to enhance their current moods. Indeed, there is some evidence indicating that reminiscing about positive past events may increase positive affect in older individuals (David, 1990; Fallot, 1979; Haight, 1988; Havighurst & Glasser, 1972; Hyland & Ackerman, 1988).…”

Effects of Reminiscence on Life Satisfaction of Elderly Female Nursing Home Residents

“…David (1990) found differences on the basis of gender and m arital status in a study of 43 residents of retirem ent com m unities. A positive relationship between life satisfaction and rem iniscing was found for widowed m en, but the reverse was found for w idow ed wo m en.…”