To explore the acceptance and effects of life review on older adults.

A mixed-method study design was utilized in this study.

Four nursing homes located in Fuzhou, China.

Sixty-two older adults from four nursing homes were selected according to the criteria set for this study.

Sixty-two older adults were randomly assigned to either the life review group or the control group, and 55 of them completed the study. Twenty-four participants took part in qualitative interviews after the life review program concluded. The Geriatric Depression Scale–15, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Purpose in Life Test were adopted to measure depression, self-esteem, and meaning in life, respectively.

The findings indicated that life review can reduce depressive symptoms and may be effective at improving self-esteem and meaning in life among Chinese elderly people. More importantly, it revealed that cultural factors such as values, beliefs, and attitudes could interfere with participation in a life review.

A culturally sensitive life review program could be an alternative approach to psychotherapy for promoting mental health in older adults.