Examining autobiographical memory retrieval as an intervention to increase physical activity in adults aged 60 and older.

Abstract

Previous research examining the directive function in autobiographical memory in college-aged participants found that recalling autobiographical memories related to physical activity was associated with an increase in subsequent physical activity. The current study, using an experimental test-retest design, examined whether this same effect was evident in a sample of adults aged 60 and older. At Time 1, participants (N = 451) were randomly assigned to the control or experimental groups and asked to complete a survey assessing physical activity and health; the experimental groups were asked to recall either a positive or negative motivational memory associated with exercise. Participants (N = 340) completed a similar survey seven days later. Levels of exercise were compared between Time 1 and Time 2 to examine whether the memory retrieval intervention had a significant impact on the level of physical activity. There was no significant main effect of memory condition on Time 2 physical activity, suggesting that the effect may not generalise to older adults. This null finding provides support for the assertion that the directive function may be more limited and specific than originally thought and that other factors may be more important for influencing behaviour (e.g., age-related differences in motivation).