The Subjective Experience of the Subjective Experience of Forgetfulness among Elders

Abstract

Although concern by elders about personal forgetfulness has been well documented, the elders' experience of forgetfulness has not been studied. Nine elder volunteers participated in this grounded theory study. The resultant beginning of a substantive theory of the personal or subjective experience of forgetfulness describes how elders, when faced with perceived forgetfulness, engage in a three-phase iterative process of self-assessment, coping, and reassessment. The goal of this process is the maintenance of a sense of self, or "continuing to be who I am," through actions aimed at maintaining identity continuity and personal competence. Possible interventions suggested by this theory include activities to (a) assist elders in improving their self-esteem, (b)facilitate the development of new role scripts enabling the maintenance of valued roles, and (c) teach alternative strategies for coping with forgetting.