Mexican-American Elderly and Reminiscence

Abstract

Reminiscence work with the elderly has been noted for supporting ego integration processes. This technique enables social workers to offer culturally sensitive interventions for Mexican-American elderly. Reminiscing with Mexican elders promotes the traditional roles that enhance their status. Its use can weaken the elder's resistance to interventions. In life review therapy it facilitates healing processes. For those minority elderly who can talk about their experiences with discimination its use contributes to a reframing process that weakens depression. Workers are encouraged to teach familes how to utilize this process to maintain and stengthen the traditional roles of Mexican elderly so as to undermine their alienation and to promote the intergenerational transmission of cultural values and ethics.