Where did I put my glasses? The lived experience of older adults seeking medical help for perceived memory problems

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the lived experience of older adults who seek medical help for perceived memory problems, defined as "help-seekers." We examined how they make sense of their experience of memory problems, the effect on everyday life and the role of personal and environmental factors.Materials and methods: A qualitative approach was used. Twelve help-seekers recruited from geriatric clinics participated in qualitative interviews, using thematic analysis with an interpretative phenomenological analysis.Results: Four themes emerged: (1) memory problems in daily life; (2) negative beliefs and emotional responses; (3) coping with memory problems; and (4) memory problems in context. The study describes the implications of memory problems on engagement in meaningful and self-defining occupations, and the negative beliefs and emotions embedded in the experience of memory loss. The results revealed three types of coping responses: active problem solving, reframing perception of the problem and avoidant behaviors. The study highlights the importance of both the social environment and aging process in the lived experience of help-seekers.Conclusions: Multiple personal and social factors interacted and mediated the meaning of memory loss in help-seekers. The study reveals a complex clinical picture that may impede successful occupational engagement of help-seekers.Implications for rehabilitationThe evaluation of older adults reporting memory problems should include assessments of everyday functioning, memory related beliefs, emotional status, self-efficacy, and the social environment.The interaction between memory problems and bio-psycho-social changes related to aging should be considered in treating older adults with reported memory problems.Design of group interventions addressing daily functioning, coping strategies and memory related beliefs are recommended.