Studies have shown that reminiscence therapy (RT) helps with conditions that impact memory and brain function and it has also successfully treated people with dementia.
“It’s what we did when I was 8 years old. It keeps you alive.” — Richard M., Alzheimer’s patient
Since 2015, members of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) have been developing and delivering baseball reminiscence therapy programs in partnership with chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association, Veterans Administration facilities, and local senior/memory care organizations.
Reminiscence therapy provides opportunities for seniors to talk and share meaningful things instead of simply listening to others. Talking about happy memories from the past provides a sense of joy which can help cope with stress, reduce boredom, and depression and make life seem a little brighter.
SABR BASEBALL MEMORIES
Baseball has played a huge part in many peoples’ lives, from their early experiences on the sandlots, to collecting baseball cards, to going to their first major league game. These moments were shared ones and a real sense of community was created with each baseball experience. Baseball became part of a collective memory and added to a sense of belonging. It gave an identity and recognition to people who shared this same passion and enthusiasm.
Since 2015, SABR members in Texas, California, Connecticut, New York, and Ohio have created a field of dreams by sharing their passion and baseball memories with those dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia, with chronic health issues or who are socially isolated and lonely.
In a fun, supportive environment, facts matter much less than the emotions rekindled and pleasant memories recalled. The results have been heartwarming, exciting, and transformative. Relationships have been built and those with dementia have found a rich social setting that meets their need for human contact and social growth. Wheelchair-bound veterans have again experienced the thrill of hitting a baseball. Lonely and depressed seniors have found an opportunity to laugh, engage and belong.
The SABR Baseball Memories Chartered Community invites you to join this effort to share baseball memories and help make those who feel that they don’t belong, belong. Visit SABRBaseballMemories.org to learn more or to find resources to start a program in your community. Experienced SABR volunteers can provide resources and personal assistance. Other volunteer roles include, just to name a few: talk about your favorite player or team, share some memorabilia, help with technology, or capture and share a memory of your own in pictures or video. You will find the experience to be both enjoyable and rewarding.
