A-019 Predictors of Memory Strategy Use in Healthy Older Adults

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Older adults often use memory strategies to assist with age-associated memory changes, and interventions targeting successful memory strategy use may promote independence. However, individuals vary in their use of memory strategies. We investigated individual difference factors involved in memory strategy use in older adults. Method As part of a larger study on stress and aging, 123 healthy community-dwelling adults over the age of 50 completed various assessments. The present analyses included 91 participants (54% female, mean age 60.80, SD = 8.75) who had completed all measures of interest. Reported external and internal memory strategy use and anxiety about memory ability were measured by the Metamemory in Adulthood (MIA) questionnaire. Psychological variables were measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and MIA. Memory and working memory performance were assessed using the RBANS, Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, and Auditory Consonant Trigrams. Results Within the context of our model, we found that education (p = .036) and anxiety about memory performance (p = .010) predicted internal memory strategy use, while gender (p = .011), education (p < .001), and anxiety about memory ability (p = .011) predicted external memory strategy use. None of the other variables were related to memory strategy use. Conclusions Though cross-sectional in nature, our results have implications for understanding successful memory strategy use. Regarding demographics, female gender and higher education predicted external memory strategy use, while only education predicted internal memory strategy use. Also, anxiety about memory performance predicted the use of internal and external memory strategies rather than objective memory performance.