由於醫療科技發展迅速，平均壽命的延長已是趨勢。內政部（2002）統計1996年資料顯示，臺灣地區65歲以上的老人罹患慢性疾病者佔55.69%，這些慢性病造成老人生理上與心理社會的不適。懷舊療法為一獨立功能且被認為能提昇老人的自尊，故筆者將對自尊與懷舊作一探討，期望經由本文介紹能幫助護理人員更了解懷舊療法以運用在個案照護上，進而提昇照護品質。

　　　　　 Life can be prolonged by modern advanced medical science. However, according to data from the Interior Ministry of Taiwan, in 1996 55.69% of elderly over 65 years old had chronic diseases. These chronic diseases impair the physical and sociopsychological status of the elderly. Reminiscence therapy, which is considered an independent function of nursing, can improve the elderly's self-esteem and therefore improve their quality of life. This report explores the relationship between self-esteem and reminiscence therapy in elderly, and helps staff understand how to apply reminiscence therapy to their clients to raise the quality of nursing care.