There is growing interest in reminiscence therapy or narrative care in health care settings. A holistic approach to care is key; the mind body connection cannot be discounted. To that end, here are four proven and universal tools for reminiscence therapy.

1) The Life Story Journal - a 72-question autobiography tool with warm up questions leading into background on the people who shaped one's life, historical events, childhood memories, growing up, adulthood memories, and a sharing of beliefs and values. $14.95 (quantity discounts are available)

2) Storyboard - An 18-x 24 inch poster that provides a template for creating a beautiful display about a person's life story. Useful for hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, memory care, and more. It can be a great way to involve the family in improving the care delivered to an aging loved one. When caregivers know the person, they can love and care more. Life celebration displays or birthdays are a great time for storyboards to be used.

3) The Story of My Treasures - Record 30 objects, photos, keepsakes, or other treasures that matter. Tell the life story behind this treasure. An excellent tool for someone moving from his or her home who will not be able to keep everything. This book will help them remember and celebrate the treasures for all time.

4) LifeBio.com - Online template with over 250+ oral history questions about one's life. It is a complete and thought-provoking process. This template helps people write what family and friends would like to read. You can even generate a hardcover, leather-bound edition of the Legacy Book at the end of the online process. Families collaborate to write a biography of a parent or grandparent. Even if someone lives far away, they can call a parent or grandparent on the phone and ask an excellent question and learn something new!

Reminiscence is proven to lower depression, lower physical pain, and increase happiness. Many older adults would benefit from the process these tools for reminiscence therapy could be used in clinical psychology or more social settings such as senior centers, long-term care activities, or senior living. Reminiscence is great for people of all ages and it builds a bridge between younger and older generations too.