MULTIPLE SCALES OF SOCIAL RELATIONS IN REMINISCENCE ACTIVITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Memory, especially autobiographical memory, is central to personhood in contemporary North America and Europe (Herskovits 1995). Cultivated practices of reminiscence, which older adults are prompted remember events experiences from the past, can be pleasurable, meaningful, therapeutic activities that shape contribute wellbeing (Coleman, 1999; Sherman, 1987). Although reminiscence include both individual (e.g., Butler, 1963; Woods et al., 2018) social (Hash 2021; Sass 2021) elements remembering, less attention has focused on myriad scales relations part activities. Moreover, mechanisms through creates positive transformations remain unclear (Menn 2020). Anthropological theories show at multiple spatiotemporal play key roles transforming (Carsten, 1995; Robbins, 2021), thus suggesting a nuanced framework within understand how for adults. Drawing systematic review interdisciplinary literature adults, this paper documents (interpersonal, institutional, regional, [trans]national) activities, interpretively analyzes their significance wellbeing. Key findings study are: 1) collective memory plays an important role activities; 2) fostering focus meaningful shared past promote These have implications refining gerontological improving reminiscence-based