[Reminiscence and life review in advanced age].

The first chapter gives a brief overview of dominant perspectives on reminiscence and life review in aging research since the 60s. The scepticism of most age researchers against personal history as a dominant concern of the aged in the late 60s was replaced by a more optimistic view which corresponded with a new Zeitgeist in the 70s and 80s. Current perspectives on reminiscence and life review are much more differentiated. Emotional support (gains) and emotional stress (losses) are discussed as alternative outcomes. Consequently the second chapter asks for different functions of reminiscence and live review in old age. In the last chapter the topic is analyzed from the perspective of effective coping. Are there specific relationships between coping with reminiscence and well-being in the elderly? Furthermore the chapter points on possible limits of therapeutical work with reminiscence and life review.