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Positive Ageing School of Psychology The University of Western Australia Kevin Mo & Alice Gummery
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Positive Ageing

Jan 02, 2016

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Positive Ageing. Kevin Mo & Alice Gummery. School of Psychology The University of Western Australia. What is ‘ normal ’ ageing?. What do you think are some of the normal changes as we age?. What is normal?. What can we do to help with these changes?. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Page 1: Positive Ageing

Positive Ageing

School of Psychology

The University of Western Australia

Kevin Mo & Alice Gummery

Page 2: Positive Ageing

What is ‘normal’ ageing?

• What do you think are some of the normal changes as we age?

Page 3: Positive Ageing

What is normal?Normal Not so normal

Gradual changes in memory capacity

Changes in speed of thinking

Changes in social functioning

Changes in emotional functioning

Wisdom remains, and even increases

Loss of memory

Becoming disoriented (confusion)

Less sociable, isolated

Depression

Dementia

Page 4: Positive Ageing

What can we do to help with these changes?• When learning new things: don’t rush, avoid distractions

• Use mnemonic devices

• Keep “to do” lists / use “post-its”

• Use a calendar/diary/mobile device

• Stay active, social, and healthy – e.g., Men’s Shed!

• Don’t buy into ageist stereotypes!

Page 5: Positive Ageing

What is the role of emotions?

• Memory

• Thinking

• Interpretation

• Attention

• Sleep

• Health

Page 6: Positive Ageing

Strategies for Optimising Mental & Emotional Health

• Physical exercise (especially aerobic exercises)

– Take the stairs rather than the lift– Gardening

• Maintaining social connections

– Frequent interaction with family, friends and work colleagues.– Engaging in social activities

• Stimulating mental activity

– Learning a new hobby – Problem solving activities

• Eating a healthy diet

– Fruits and vegetables– Foods high in omega 3 (salmon, kiwi fruit and walnuts)

Page 7: Positive Ageing

Positive Ageing

REMEMBER:

Talk to your doctor, reduce stress, take care of your body, get connected to the community, and set small goals!!

Page 8: Positive Ageing

Our team’s research Healthy Ageing Research Project (HARP)

• Thinking skills as we age

• Prospective Memory and healthy ageing*

• Awareness of Prospective Memory

• Sleep and Prospective Memory

Page 9: Positive Ageing

I need to remember buy milk on the way home

Page 10: Positive Ageing

Prospective Memory and Ageing

• Old vs. Young

• How does Prospective Memory change as we age?

• How does it relate to other abilities?

• Is it sensitive to things like dementia?

Page 11: Positive Ageing

Our Research

• Prospective Memory and how well people take their medications

• Prospective Memory and Multi-tasking

Page 12: Positive Ageing

West Australian Participant Pool

• BUT…

• We need volunteers

• Exploring the mind with WAPP

• http://wapp.psychology.uwa.edu.au/wordpress

Page 13: Positive Ageing

One volunteer says…

“Of course, the University has easy access to young volunteers but they need more older people. The projects are very interesting and quite good fun - I recommend being a volunteer! The tests usually

last about one hour - why not have a go?”

J. Griffiths.

Page 14: Positive Ageing

How you can help

• No participants = no research!

• Why people say ‘no’

– I am too old/young– I am not clever enough– It will be stressful/embarrassing– I won’t have any choice about what I do– I won’t be able to change my mind

Page 15: Positive Ageing

• Thank you for your time and attention

• Do you have any questions?