The Status and Associated Factors of Prospective Memory among Iranian Older Adults

The decline in prospective memory is one of the age-related changes that accounts for a significant portion of complaints among older adults. This study aimed to assess the status of prospective memory and identify the factors associated with it in older people.

In this cross-sectional study, 212 older adults (aged 60 and above) were selected from the residents of Chaldoran County in 2023 using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using the Self- Rated Health (SRH) Scale, the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire for the Elderly (HEAL). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, employing both descriptive and analytical statistical tests.

The mean age of participants was 71.73 ± 6.65 years, with 57.1% (121 individuals) being females. The mean score for prospective memory was 19.74 ± 6.35. Based on the scale cut-off point, 65.1% of participants had low prospective memory. Pearson's correlation test indicated that age (r= 0.56, p< 0.05), depression( r= 0.49, p< 0.05), self-perceived health status(r= -0.53, p< 0.05), and lifestyle (r= -0.52, p< 0.05) significantly correlated with weak prospective memory status. Furthermore, according to multiple linear regression, age (β = 0.34, p< 0.001), depression(β = 0.18, p ≤ 0.05), self-perceived health (β = -0. 305, p< 0.001), and lifestyle (β = -0.25, p< 0.001) were significant predictors of weak prospective memory status.

The present study, which shows reduced prospective memory among older adults, is consistent with several studies reporting prospective memory deficits in the elderly. Additionally, multiple factors may contribute to the worsening of prospective memory in old age.

According to this study, older, unemployed, depressed individuals and those with unhealthy lifestyles are prone to decreased prospective memory. These factors could be the basis for developing prospective memory-improving interventions in older adults.