Most people enjoy the odd trip down memory lane, but research presented today will show that reminiscing can be good for your health and well being.  For older people and for people living with dementia, reminiscing has proven to be particularly beneficial.

Today’s event, organised jointly by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI) and the Reminiscence Network Northern Ireland (RNNI), gathers top researchers from across Ireland and the UK to present their latest findings from reminiscence focused research.  Contributors will highlight the different ways of conducting reminiscence activities with older people and explore its therapeutic usage and benefits in a range of different settings with individuals, larger groups and communities.

Professor Davis Coakley, Co-Chair of CARDI and Professor of Medical Gerontology at Trinity College Dublin, said:

“What is unique about this event is that it brings together researchers, government, voluntary and community sector and older people themselves to talk and learn about the benefits of reminiscing.  It is encouraging to have disciplines from social work, medicine and computer science on the one platform presenting their research so that older people and those designing and developing services and facilities have access to the latest research thinking.”

President of the Reminiscence Network, Emeritus Professor Faith Gibson, University of Ulster, commented that:

 “Our memories keep us in touch with the people, places and events that have shaped our lives and who we are today.  Recalling and sharing our memories can help to reaffirm our identity within ourselves and with others. This event will provide information on innovative methods for bringing people’s past in to the present.”

Contact details

To arrange interviews with the speakers, please contact Alexey Janes – RNNI Development Manager 

Mob: 07980 334793 or Tel: 028 9032 4729   Email: alexeyjanes@rnni.org

Protocall

Photographers and reporters are invited to a photocall at 1pm on Wednesday 17th February 2010.

Location – Mount Conference Centre, Woodstock Link, Belfast