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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?.
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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 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!
What is the role of emotions? • Memory • Thinking • Interpretation • Attention • Sleep • Health
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)
Positive Ageing REMEMBER: Talk to your doctor, reduce stress, take care of your body, get connected to the community, and set small goals!!
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
ProspectiveMemory 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?
Our Research • Prospective Memory and how well people take their medications • Prospective Memory and Multi-tasking
West Australian Participant Pool • BUT… • We need volunteers • Exploring the mind with WAPP • http://wapp.psychology.uwa.edu.au/wordpress
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.
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
Thank you for your time and attention • Do you have any questions?