AN INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS RELATED TO SUBJECTIVE MEMORY COMPLAINTS OF OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this research was to determine the individual factors that predict the subjective memory complaints of older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic. Materials and Method: The sample of the study consisted of 356 older adults aged between 60 and 88 years ((x) over bar = 67.03, SD = 5.72). Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form, The Scale of Loneliness for the Elderly, Quality of Life Scale in Older People, and Socio-Demographic Information Form were administered to the participants. In order to examine the relationships among the variables, correlation analysis was performed. In addition, a hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to determine the variables predicting subjective memory complaints. Results: The subjective memory complaints of this age group were found to be positively related to depression and loneliness levels, while they were discovered to be negatively associated with quality of life. The results of hierarchical regression analysis indicated that each of the variables of gender, perceived socioeconomic status, loneliness, quality of life, and depression included in the analysis at different steps were a significant predictors of subjective memory complaints. Conclusion: Our results showed that there is a need for interventions that will expand social support networks, improve quality of life, and reduce depression levels in order to prevent subjective memory complaints of elderly individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic.