Many aging theories reinforce the benefits of life review and life storytelling. Eric Erickson’s theory used life review as a way to prepare for death and avoid despair. Atchley’s Continuity Theory explained how life review can maintain a sense of identity despite declining abilities. Once individuals realize the limited amount of time left, they examine and evaluate their lives as either a success or failure. Life review represents the final opportunity to resolve and understand conflicts when one’s life comes to a close.

By participating in life review or life storytelling, aging adults can make sense of their lives and their contribution to the world. It provides a way to share wisdom, humor, and a life’s legacy. Well-being in old age improves by linking together different experiences in a life. In the telling of a life story, sense is made of it.

The life review process can be silent or oral. If a life story is left untold and uncelebrated, it can manifest itself as a brief significant thought, as nostalgia or regret, and as anxiety, guilt, or depression. Sharing life stories is an important way for elders to link with others. By passing on the wisdom gained through life reflection, older generations can influence future generations.

Coming up next…Telling Your Story