YAMAMOTO YUKO

Purpose : To conduct a concept analysis of 'life review for elderly' and to examine it's utility for enhancing aspects of nursing practice. Methods : Relevant literature was identified using the search terms: life review, elderly, and aged. Six databases, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, medical central magazine, and Japan Medical Abstracts Society were searched for the years 1990 through 2012. Meeting the criteria were 28 articles, which were analyzed using Rodgers's concept analysis model. Results : Extracted attributes of life review included: elderly repeated recall, integrated looking back on entire life span, and talking to others increased facial expressions. Antecedents of life review extracted were: physical factors and characteristics of the elderly, decline in mental and cognitive function, decrease in social interchange and existence of an expert with the skill to listen. Consequences of life review extracted were: reception of one's stage in life as old age and impending death; promotion of mutual understanding with others; comparing traditions with other generations, and noticing self-awareness, and maintenance of self-esteem. Conclusion : Life review for the elderly is regarded as a concept that when enacted promotes self-awareness that could otherwise be easily lost in the advanced age period and which promotes mutual understanding with others.