Predictors of metamemory in older adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of depression, health status, self-efficacy, and selected demographic variables to the metamemory of older adults. Community-residing adults (N = 169), 55 years of age and older, were recruited from continuing education programs. No relationships were found between age and seven metamemory factors, Strategy, Task, Capacity, Change, Anxiety, Achievement, and Locus. Those in the age group 65 to 74 years scored significantly higher on the metamemory Strategy factor. Memory efficacy, both level and strength, was significantly correlated (p < .01) with the Capacity, Change, Anxiety, and Locus subscales. Overall, the set of variables accounted for 4% to 21% of the total variance in metamemory factors.