Memory complaints, coping, and well-being in old age: a systemic approach

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Gerontology
• Cognitive Health

Background:

• Memory complaints are common in older adults.
• Understanding the factors influencing memory complaints and their impact is crucial for well-being in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between memory complaints, coping behaviors, and well-being in older adults.
• To identify the mediating roles of memory-related anxiety and perceived seriousness of complaints.
• To determine the most significant antecedent variable influencing memory complaints.

Main Methods:

• Study conducted on 179 older adults.
• Utilized selected subscales of the Metamemory in Adulthood Questionnaire.
• Employed path analysis to model relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• Memory complaints significantly influence coping behavior, mediated by memory-related anxiety and perceived seriousness.
• Both memory complaints and coping behaviors were found to influence overall well-being.
• Locus of control emerged as the most influential antecedent variable in the model.

Conclusions:

• Memory complaints in older adults have a complex pathway affecting coping and well-being.
• Interventions targeting memory-related anxiety and perceived seriousness may improve coping and well-being.
• Locus of control is a critical factor to consider in understanding and addressing memory complaints in older adults.