Content analysis of reminiscences of elderly women.

The content of reminiscences of 21 cognitively intact elderly women registered in an adult daycare program was examined. Content analysis of transcripts from a semistructured interview was used to discover categories of reminiscence meaning. The interpretations made about past experiences were grouped under two categories: (a) validating reminiscences that involved confirming or verifying that one had lived a fruitful life; and (b) lamenting reminiscences that involved negative interpretations of past events. Validating themes were: positive self-appraisals, choices, social connections, joys, and past to present comparisons. Lamenting themes were: regrets, difficulties, and lacking choice.