Maintenance and generalization of mnemonics for grocery shopping by older adults

This study was designed to assess the impact and generalization of mnemonics training in older adults. We attempted to maximize the task's ecological validity and the motivation of participants. Ten older adults were initially tested in a standard free recall task. All participants were next trained to use the method of loci. This technique was then used to remember a grocery list while purchasing groceries. Four weeks later, a second grocery shopping test was conducted. After another four weeks, a second free recall test was given. Participants' memory performance was recorded in each activity and they reported mnemonic strategies they had used. Participants exhibited near perfect performance in the grocery shopping tasks, but many modified their strategies before the second shopping session. Participants who did not modify their strategies were more likely to exhibit long term maintenance of training (retention of strategy and improved performance) in the final free recall task. Factors associated with changes in a training program's impact over time, and the need to survey participants' reported strategy utilization, are discussed.