The Aging Well through Interaction and Scientific Education (AgeWISE) Program. Issue 5 (20th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Connor, Maureen K.; Kraft, Malissa L.; Daley, Ryan; Sugarman, Michael A.; Clark, Erika L.; Scoglio, Arielle A. J.; Shirk, Steven D.
• Is Part Of: Clinical gerontologist. Volume 41:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 412
• Page End: 423
• Publication Date: 2018-10-20
• Subjects: Health education -- interventions -- older adult -- therapies; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Older people -- Mental health services -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2017.1387212
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0731-7115

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective : We conducted a randomized controlled trial of the Aging Well through Interaction and Scientific Education (AgeWISE) program, a 12-week manualized cognitive rehabilitation program designed to provide psychoeducation to older adults about the aging brain, lifestyle factors associated with successful brain aging, and strategies to compensate for age related cognitive decline. Methods : Forty-nine cognitively intact participants ≥ 60 years old were randomly assigned to the AgeWISE program ( n = 25) or a no-treatment control group ( n = 24). Questionnaire data were collected prior to group assignment and post intervention. Two-factor repeated-measures analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were used to compare group outcomes. Results : Upon completion, participants in the AgeWISE program reported increases in memory contentment and their sense of control in improving memory; no significant changes were observed in the control group. Surprisingly, participation in the group was not associated with significant changes in knowledge of memory aging, perception of memory ability, or greater use of strategies. Conclusions : The AgeWISE program was successfully implemented and increased participants' memory contentment and their sense of control in improving memory in advancing age. Clinical Implications : This study supports the use of AgeWISE to improve perspectives on healthy cognitive aging.