Design and evaluation of a group reminiscence intervention for loneliness and psychological well-being in older adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial with quantitative and qualitative data

This study designed a group reminiscence intervention for older adults and evaluated its preliminary effects on loneliness and psychological well-being.
A randomized control trial with convergent parallel design. The intervention comprised 10 sessions based on simple-reminiscence techniques in a senior centre. Inclusion criteria: being lonely, non-institutionalized, ≥60 years and without cognitive impairment. Participants from two senior centres were randomly allocated to experimental or active-control groups. Loneliness and psychological well-being were measured at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up; qualitative data at follow-up.
Seventeen women aged 60-72 (66.71 ± 3.077) participated. The experimental group showed significant reductions in emotional loneliness post-intervention (p < 0.05) and at three months (p < 0.05), and increased well-being post-intervention (p < 0.05). No immediate effects on social loneliness were found, but lower emotional (p < 0.05) and social loneliness (p < 0.01) emerged at follow-up. Qualitative findings highlighted the intervention as a meaningful space for social exchange.
Group reminiscence appears to reduce emotional loneliness and enhance well-being in older adults. Given the small, homogeneous sample and pilot nature, results are preliminary. Larger studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings. Results may inform future research and clinical practice.
What is already known about this topic:
Loneliness is a prevalent issue among older adults, and reminiscence therapy has been explored as a potential intervention to address it.
Most reminiscence interventions do not specifically target individuals who already experience loneliness, and loneliness is often measured as a secondary outcome.
Previous studies have shown that reminiscence interventions can foster social connections, but their direct effects on different types of loneliness remain unclear.

Loneliness is a prevalent issue among older adults, and reminiscence therapy has been explored as a potential intervention to address it.
Most reminiscence interventions do not specifically target individuals who already experience loneliness, and loneliness is often measured as a secondary outcome.
Previous studies have shown that reminiscence interventions can foster social connections, but their direct effects on different types of loneliness remain unclear.
What this topic adds:
This study is one of the first to design and test a theoretically grounded reminiscence protocol specifically targeting loneliness reduction in lonely older adults, filling a gap in the current research and offering a practical tool for clinicians.
Preliminary findings suggest that group reminiscence interventions may positively impact emotional loneliness and psychological well-being.
The study presents qualitative experiences of participants to deeper understand how reminiscence may foster meaningful social connections and contribute to well-being.

This study is one of the first to design and test a theoretically grounded reminiscence protocol specifically targeting loneliness reduction in lonely older adults, filling a gap in the current research and offering a practical tool for clinicians.
Preliminary findings suggest that group reminiscence interventions may positively impact emotional loneliness and psychological well-being.
The study presents qualitative experiences of participants to deeper understand how reminiscence may foster meaningful social connections and contribute to well-being.