Occupation-based metacognitive group intervention for older adults experiencing memory problems: Feasibility study

Introduction: Subjective memory complaints in older adults are associated with adverse emotions and functional deficits. This feasibility study evaluated an occupation-based metacognitive group intervention for older adults with subjective memory complaints, and examined post-intervention changes on occupational goal attainment and metamemory. Method: Twenty-three older adults participated in the study. A quantitative pre-post test design was used, and short qualitative interviews were performed following the intervention. The 15-week intervention used metacognitive methods within an occupation-based approach. Metacognitive learning was embedded in a social leisure book club, and mediation was provided to support attainment of individualized occupational goals in everyday life. Quantitative measures of goal attainment and metamemory were used, as well as qualitative interviews. Findings: Most (68%) targeted occupational goals were obtained, with very little transfer to untrained goals. Significant improvements were found in perceived memory ability in daily life. No changes were found regarding memory beliefs or frequency of strategy use. Conclusion: The results suggest that this intervention was feasible and has the potential to promote attainment of occupational goals and reduce memory-related mistakes in daily life.