Development and Application of a Life Review Program to Support Mental Health Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults Living with HIV in Taiwan

TL;DR

This study developed a life review program to support mental health for older adults with HIV in Taiwan, using a caring-based approach and narrative reflection.

Contribution

It introduces a culturally sensitive life review program tailored for aging people living with HIV in Taiwan.

Findings

Participants experienced emotional engagement and renewed self-understanding through the program.

The program fostered a sense of connection and positive attitudes toward reinterpreting the past and future.

The intervention was found to be feasible and culturally acceptable for the target population.

Abstract

Background: This article introduces the development and application of a life review program designed to support the psychological well-being of middle-aged and older adults living with HIV. Grounded in Swanson’s Theory of Caring, the program emphasizes culturally sensitive, narrative-based reflection and group sharing. Methods: This study employed a qualitative exploratory design, implementing an eight-week life review program based on Swanson’s Theory of Caring. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and participant observations and then analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that participants experienced emotional engagement, renewed self-understanding, and a sense of connection fostered by the caring-based narrative process. Participants also expressed positive attitudes toward reinterpreting their past and envisioning the future. Conclusions: Rather than evaluating intervention outcomes, this study focuses on the development and implementation of a caring-based life review tool. Findings illustrate its feasibility and cultural acceptability, offering a foundation for future adaptation across diverse supportive care settings. This culturally sensitive intervention represents one of the first applications of a caring-based life review program tailored to aging PLWHIV in Taiwan.