| This study was designed to test a new approach to memory intervention, the Structured Life Review, to see if it would have an impact on episodic memory. The study described the relationship of age to memory in healthy older people. The objective of the study was to assess whether remembering the past through actively recollecting in SLR has (1) cognitive and affective benefits and (2) improves recent event-based (episodic) memory.;The experimental design was a multiple-based design across four subjects with two dependent variables: the Self Evaluation Survey (SES) and the Everyday Memory Checklist (EMC).;The challenge was to make elaboration and active engagement interesting so that the elder would be motivated to participate. After reviewing the research, it appeared that life review might work as a way to encourage seniors to practice those elaboration skills. Reviewing one's life, thinking about it, mentally reliving it, brings energy and involvement to older people. Thus, Life Review became the first part of the design of SLR. Structure was added by giving specific memory topics or themes on which to concentrate. Context, time frame, organization, boundaries, and written work were added as well.;A minimum of four weeks was set to establish a baseline and an additional four week minimum, with two sessions per week, was set to conduct the SLR interviews. The researcher sought to discover whether the SLR strengthens one's ability to remember past events, strengthens one's episodic memory, and contributes to an improved SES and EMC.;All four Subjects responded positively to the intervention, showed an immediate change in frequency level, resulting in an immediate decrease in the incidence of forgetfulness (the objective EMC) accompanied by a decreased feeling that their memory was a problematic part of their lives (the subjective SES).;This study demonstrated that healthy seniors, 70 and older, can improve their episodic memory for every day events and can increase self confidence about their memory with the use of an intervention known as Structured Life Review (SLR). The subjects got involved for memory improvement. They also came to appreciate the therapeutic value of the research. |
