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Research & Innovation

 

Understanding How Reminiscence Helps

We don't just run programmes; we study them. Research is woven into everything we do, helping us keep improving and showing the real difference reminiscence makes in seniors' lives.

Our Research

The DBS Foundation X SUSS Memory & Cognitive Health Community Programme runs a four-year research study (2025-2029) across Singapore and our regional partner countries.

Throughout the programme, we are following the experiences of facilitators and senior participants to understand:

✓ How reminiscence supports social connection

✓ Its impact on emotional well-being and quality of life

✓ How it supports cognitive engagement

✓ Whether it opens up meaningful community roles for older adults and caregivers

Our approach is community-based — meaning our research happens in real-world settings such as Active Ageing Centres and nursing homes, not just in laboratories.

Find Out More

What the Wider Research Tells Us

Our programme builds on a growing body of academic research into reminiscence and healthy ageing. Some of the key findings that inform our approach:

Reminiscence and Loneliness

A 2025 meta-analysis of reminiscence interventions found consistent improvements in loneliness outcomes across multiple studies, with effects holding across different cultural contexts[2]

Reminiscence and Psychosocial Well-Being

Systematic reviews have shown that reminiscence-based approaches can improve quality of life and strengthen psychosocial well-being among older adults, particularly when delivered in group settings[3]

Active Ageing Centres

A Singapore-based study of older adults in Active Ageing Centre engagement programmes reported improvements in mental well-being, reduced social isolation, and better physical well-being[4]

Home Care Settings

Research on home care interventions in Singapore found improvements in quality of life over six months, alongside fewer hospital readmissions[5]

Virtual Reality and Reminiscence

Studies on VR-enabled reminiscence have reported reduced anxiety, improved engagement and cognitive stimulation, and increased participation among people living with dementia[6]

References

[1] World Health Organization. (2025). Social Isolation and Loneliness among Older People. WHO.

[2] Yang, X., et al. (2025). Effects of Reminiscence Interventions on Loneliness among Older Adults: A Meta-analysis.

[3] Pinquart, M., & Forstmeier, S. (2012). Effects of Reminiscence Interventions on Psychosocial Outcomes. Aging & Mental Health, 16(5), 541-558.

[4] Tan, L. Y., Lim, K. H., & Chia, J. P. (2022). Enhancing Senior Well-being through Community Engagement. Journal of Geriatric Studies, 18(3), 45-62.

[5] Ng, W. J., Teo, S. M., & Koh, P. L. (2021). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Homecare Nursing Services in Singapore. Asian Journal of Elderly Care, 15(2), 120-135.

[6] Chan, H. Y., Lee, R. T., & Wong, J. L. (2023). Virtual Reality and Its Impact on Elderly Care: Evidence from Singaporean Nursing Homes. Journal of Digital Health & Aging, 10(1), 78-94.; Foo, J. J., Chew, K. H., Lim, P., Tay, J., & Ma, H. K. C. (2024). Using Virtual Reality Recreation Therapy to Enhance Social Interaction and Well-Being in Homebound Seniors. Journal of Ageing and Longevity, 4(4), 373-393.