Reminiscence Therapy: The Impact of Recalling Past Athletic Experiences on the Well-being of the Elderly

Abstract In the context of increasing global aging, seeking effective therapeutic methods to treat the mental health of the elderly is crucial for enhancing their sense of well-being and achieving healthy aging.This article, based on reminiscence therapy, employs two field experiments to verify its impact on the well-being of the elderly. The first experiment examines the effects of recalling past athletic experiences on the well-being of the elderly and the internal mechanisms involved. The second experiment further compares the differences in the impact of various recalled contents.The experimental results indicate that recalling past athletic experiences influences the well-being of the elderly through two pathways: emotion and meaning. On one hand, it strengthens momentary well-being by enhancing emotional balance; on the other hand, it enhances reflective well-being by increasing the sense of meaning. The study's conclusions not only explore the positive impacts of athletic experiences on the well-being of the elderly over a broader time scale but also demonstrate the significant value of reminiscence therapy in the field of psychological treatment.