title: Memory function and supportive technology.
abstract: Episodic and working memory processes show pronounced age-related decline, with other memory processes such as semantic, procedural, and metamemory less affected. Older adults tend to complain the most about prospective and retrospective memory failures. We introduce a framework for deciding how to mitigate memory decline using augmentation and substitution and discuss techniques that change the user, through mnemonics training, and change the tool or environment, by providing environmental support. We provide examples of low-tech and high-tech memory supports and discuss constraints on the utility of high-tech systems including effectiveness of devices, attitudes toward memory aids, and reliability of systems.
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, Florida State University.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Charness
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, Florida State University.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Best
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, Florida State University.
authors.forename: Dustin
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Souders
keywords: aging; augmentation; environmental support; episodic memory; memory; memory aid; memory complaint; memory technology; metamemory; mnemonics; procedural memory; prospective memory; retrospective memory; semantic memory; substitution; working memory