Decline of memory is often a complaint registered by members of an older adult population. There has been a limited amount of previous research evaluating subjective and objective memory in elderly Asian cultures. The purpose of this study was to explore factors related to memory function among Taiwanese older adults which included the following: the individual’s characteristics, perception of metamemory, degree of memory self-efficacy, and level of memory performance. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study. A proposed conceptual framework, based on the previous literature, was developed as the guideline for the study. Well established instruments were employed in measuring participants’ memory knowledge and attitudes, namely metamemory, (Metamemory in Adulthood), memory self-efficacy (Memory Efficacy), and memory performance (Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test). A non-probability sample of 130 Taiwanese older adults completed the interview. The research findings indicated that the participants reported above average knowledge of memory processes, achievement motivation regarding memory, a good memory capacity, personal control over their memory, and an ability to use memory strategies. In contrast, they perceived their memory as declining over time and were slightly anxious when considering memory tasks. In addition, they displayed a moderate level of confidence about their own memory, with elderly males expressing more confidence than females about their memory abilities. The memory performance of older Taiwanese adults was in the range of poor memory on the Rivermead. Factors contributing to memory function were correlated with each other. As stated above, these were individual characteristics, metamemory and memory self-efficacy. Significant predictors for memory performance were age, education, health status and memory selfefficacy. The results of this study suggested that culture-specific factors regarding memory are vital for older Taiwanese adults to evaluate their own memory. Potential topics for future research include: exploring the meaning of memory with an in-depth interview to distinguish memory self-efficacy from positive adaptation to memory deficit; understanding how memory operates while participants work in pairs rather than individually; and implementing an interventional program for health and cognitive promotion. / text

手稿本, 複本據手稿本影印. / Thesis (M.A.)--香港中文大學, 1988. / 林娟芬. / Shou gao ben, fu ben ju shou gao ben ying yin. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 278-301). / Thesis (M.A.)--Xianggang Zhong wen da xue, 1988. / 致謝 --- p.i / 論文摘要 --- p.iii / 目錄 --- p.viii / 表次 --- p.xiv / Chapter 第一章 --- 緒論 --- p.1 / Chapter 第一節 --- 研究意義及其重要性 --- p.8 / Chapter 第二節 --- 研究問題背景 --- p.15 / Chapter 第三節 --- 報告撰寫之計畫 --- p.30 / Chapter 第二章 --- 文獻探討(一)── 社會支援網路與生活適應的理論和概念 --- p.33 / Chapter 第一節 --- 社會支援網路的理論與概念 --- p.33 / Chapter 第二節 --- 生活適應的理論與概念 --- p.44 / Chapter 第三章 --- 文獻探討(二)──社會支援網路與老年人生活適應之有關研究報告 --- p.62 / 總結 --- p.84 / Chapter 第四章 --- 研究方法 --- p.89 / Chapter 第一節 --- 研究問題 --- p.89 / Chapter 第二節 --- 名詞之操作性定義與研究變項的測量 --- p.93 / Chapter 第三節 --- 研究設計 --- p.101 / Chapter 第四節 --- 研究母體、樣本與資料收集 --- p.103 / Chapter 第五節 --- 研究限制 --- p.112 / Chapter 第五章 --- 研究結果(一)── 研究對象的基本特性 --- p.118 / Chapter 第一節 --- 個人資料 --- p.119 / Chapter 第二節 --- 老年人入住敬老所之前的基本資料特徵 --- p.127 / Chapter 第三節 --- 老年人的健康狀況與行動能力 --- p.143 / 總結 --- p.148 / Chapter 第六章 --- 研究結果(二)──研究對象的社會支援網路 --- p.150 / Chapter 第一節 --- 仁愛之家老年人的正式社會支援網路情況 --- p.151 / Chapter 第二節 --- 仁愛之家老年人的非正式社會支援網路中的家人、親戚及所外朋友之情況 --- p.165 / Chapter 第三節 --- 老年人與非正式社會支援網路中的所內院友及知己朋友交往之情況 --- p.183 / Chapter 第四節 --- 老年人對社會支援網路的看法與感受 --- p.190 / 總結 --- p.204 / Chapter 第七章 --- 研究結果(三)── 研究對象的生活適應及其與社會支援網路之關係 --- p.207 / Chapter 第一節 --- 仁愛之家老年人的生活適應之情況 --- p.209 / Chapter 第二節 --- 老年人的基本特性與生活適應之關係 --- p.224 / Chapter 第三節 --- 社會支援網路與老年人生活適應之關係 --- p.230 / 總結 --- p.245 / Chapter 第八章 --- 摘要、討論與具體建議 --- p.248 / 參考書目 --- p.278 / Chapter 附錄表一 --- 老年人的健康狀況分佈表 --- p.302 / Chapter 附錄表二 --- 老年人的生活滿意指標LSI --- p.303 / Chapter 附錄表三 --- 老年人在生活環境的體驗與感受分佈表 --- p.306 / Chapter 附錄 --- 老年人之社會支援網路與生活適應之研究問卷 --- p.307

Most of the empirical research on later life well-being in Taiwan has focused on demographic, structural factors and resources flow, and tended to ignore the meaning and beliefs older Taiwanese assign to aging and the consequences. In light of dramatic social transformation and the changing nature of elderly support, the empirical test of the values and beliefs about later life and their effects may provide a significant viewpoint in understanding why some older adults in Taiwan are healthier and live longer than others. This project employs a national representative data drawn from the Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan in year 1996 and 1999. Beliefs about aging are conceptualized into several constructs and each is linked to three dimensions of health outcomes: physical health, mental health and mortality. In addition, I tested whether engagement in healthy habits, supportive social relationships, and greater involvement in social activities account for the associations. Results suggest that general higher levels of positive beliefs about aging are predictive of improved health and longevity over time. When I divide general beliefs into positive and negative domains, I find that positive beliefs improve health largely through life style factors. While, compared to positive beliefs, negative beliefs seem to exert stronger effects on health through pathways well beyond an individual's lifestyle. That is, pessimistic views on aging may be more detrimental to health because domains related to negative beliefs (e.g., "boredom and uselessness" and "financial insecurity") directly challenge an individual's desires to search for a sense of meaning, purpose and security later in life. Taken together, this study shows that positive beliefs about aging shape proactive behaviors and translate limited resources into opportunities, eventually leading to better health outcomes. In contrast, viewing aging in an unfavorable way may limit an individual's pursuit for a better life, and, in turn, impact health and well-being, regardless the actual resources possessed by the individuals. Therefore, this study suggests despite physically intact, generally active, and supportive relationships, the individual's subjective perception of aging is another important determinant in securing a healthy later life among elderly Taiwanese. / text