Older Women’s Loneliness and Depression Decreased by a Reminiscence Program in Times of COVID-19

Abstract

The confinement caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic protects physical health, but in turn, has a long-lasting and far-reaching negative psychosocial impact; anxiety, stress, fear and depressive symptoms. All of these have a particular impact on vulnerable older people, putting them at serious risk of loneliness. Women report feeling lonelier than men, affecting women to a greater extent. The present study aims to analyze the efficacy of an integrative reminiscence intervention in older women living in nursing homes to reduce the effects of loneliness and depression after COVID-19. 34 older women living in nursing homes are included into study and were divided into intervention group (N = 14) and control group (N = 20). Results showed a significant reduction in perception of loneliness, depression and better positive affects, after the intervention. The pandemic has not yet finished and the most affected group has been the people living in nursing homes. These results show the need for evidence of interventions that can help the recovery of these people who have been so affected. The effects of loneliness during confinement and its psychological effects can be mitigated through such programs.

Depression in older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review

“…One RCT conducted in 24 primary care clinics of Brazil that applied a 17‐week psychosocial program based on psychoeducation and behavioral activation approaches obtained positive results in reducing depression in older adults 146 . Another study conducted in Spain with a sample of 34 older women living in nursing homes (intervention group ( n = 14) and control group ( n = 20)), which applied a reminiscence program, demonstrated positive results of the intervention in reducing depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness 147 . Moreover, studies with samples of adults of other ages have also shown positive results in reducing depressive symptoms, such as a study with a sample of students who used the Smartphone app MCT & More 148 …”

“…146 Another study conducted in Spain with a sample of 34 older women living in nursing homes (intervention group (n = 14) and control group (n = 20)), which applied a reminiscence program, demonstrated positive results of the intervention in reducing depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness. 147 Moreover, studies with samples of adults of other ages have also shown positive results in reducing depressive symptoms, such as a study with a sample of students who used the Smartphone app MCT & More. 148 Taken together, our findings demonstrate that it is possible to conduct interventions for depression, even with the constraints associated with the pandemic.…”

The mediating role of religion and loneliness on the association between reminiscence functions and depression: a call to advance older adults' mental health

“…16 Preoccupation with a bitter past reflects an inability to fulfil 12 This finding has important clinical implications for helping older adults build meaningful interpersonal relationships with others, solidify their identities, and find meaning in their lives through reminiscence-based interventions. For example, through group reminiscence sessions, [41][42][43] they could freely discuss their memories, enhance social inclusion, identify and shift depressogenic thinking, and generate alternative ways of thinking about the past (cognitive reconstruction). Additionally, group reminiscence therapy provides a social environment that fosters connectedness and social interactions between individuals, improving social interactions and combating loneliness.…”