Characterizing older adults’ real world memory function using ecologically valid approaches

Traditional approaches to characterizing human memory using laboratory-based methods and experimental stimuli have revealed age-related degradation in some memory systems, while demonstrating relative preservation of function in other memory systems into late life. However, laboratory-based approaches to studying memory often make little contact with real-world memory challenges and scenarios faced by older adults. Moreover, laboratory-based research often precludes the use of external memory supports or other strategies that older adults may use to improve performance of memory-based tasks in everyday life. Here, we briefly review age-related patterns in memory performance according to a functional organization from memory systems least to most impacted by age. We then discuss discrepant patterns from self-report measures and traditional laboratory-based tasks as compared to more naturalistic tasks, and provide selected examples of sub-fields of cognitive science where research bridges the gap between laboratory-based tasks and ecologically valid approaches. Next, we describe some emerging areas of research that take a more naturalistic approach to characterizing memory, including characterizing memory performance in social contexts and allowing for the use of environmental supports to benefit performance of memory-based tasks. Finally, we discuss ideas around how researchers may begin incorporating the use of more ecologically valid methods into more traditionally-oriented programs of research. The use of such methods are expected to provide a fuller, richer, and more contextually appropriate understanding to how older adults’ memory operates in naturalistic settings outside of the laboratory.