Reminiscence therapy, described as “a non-pharmacological intervention involving the prompting of past memories, often with artifacts such as old photographs or music”, has been applied to help relieve depression, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, address the social and emotional needs of people with dementia, offer “therapeutic benefits such as the facilitation of social interactions or the increase of self-esteem” [6]. Reminiscence therapy (RT) has been in use for decades. Although no research papers clearly identify the origin of reminiscence therapy, mentions of it have been seen as far back as the early 60s. A majority of the papers gave a positive tribute to this therapy mechanism. Butler was one of the first to discuss reminiscence therapy [7]. He described it as a “universal occurrence in older people of an inner experience or mental process of reviewing one’s life.” Erikson’s theory of life cycle argues the final stage of life (closer to death) requires mankind to “master the developmental conflict of the final stage of life which provides the primary motivation for reminiscence in old age” [8].

Over a period of time, various changes have been made in reminiscence therapy interventions. Recent trends have led to the employment of integrating technology into reminiscence therapy. Technology integration in reminiscence therapy has been used in a range of applications depending upon the type of technology that was being used. On the high end, robot-like systems have been used to conduct reminiscence therapy such as Hugvie, a humanoid shaped pillow, which presents a physical entity that the elderly can interact with and talk to [9]. Additionally, more high functioning robots have been recently used such as MARIO, a much larger humanoid robot, capable of video, speech, as well as interacting with those around it with its multiple sensors [10]. Another higher end robot with less capability is Zenbo Junior, a smaller robot that sits on a table and is capable of video and speech [11]. Robotic solutions are still a work in progress as of now and are continuing to be developed in hopes that they may help provide a more personalized experience. On the other hand, low end technologies are as simple as using digital photos and videos for sharing among individuals with dementia for therapy [12]. Additional technologies include VR (virtual reality), mobile applications, video streaming, and an internet-based recommender for caretakers. VR applications are mostly used for digital image viewing, both static and panoramic pictures, as a way of immersing the elderly in a memory [13]. Other uses include haptic feedback along with VR (replicating the sense of touch) as a way of furthering the immersion of the reminiscence therapy [14]. The use of android devices and applications also are being implemented as ways to facilitate reminiscence therapy. Such solutions include a media viewer of videos and photos providing a way of facilitating reminiscence to multiple elders simultaneously [15]. Current trends continue to push towards more and more technology integrations, foretelling the future of further inquiries of technological assistance in reminiscence therapy.

2. Reminiscence Therapy in the Treatment of Depression

Reminiscence therapy is “a reflective, narrative process that encourages senior adults to mentally access and tell their personal stories” [8,16]. It is used mostly as a support and counsel to seniors. Seniors recall themselves at a younger age which invokes happy memories (and sometimes sad) that allow them to socialize about or reflect upon. The interventions are usually for a period of time, ranging from short workshops with one session to longer periodical sessions over the course of weeks or months. Reminiscence therapy comes in two forms: individually and in groups, but recently technologically driven interventions are being explored as supplemental or even primary forms of intervention.

5. Interpretations of Reminiscence Therapy