title: Memory banking: a life story intervention for aging preparation and mental health promotion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of Memory Banking (MB), a life story development intervention within the context of aging preparation. Individuals participate in MB to strategically document and share their life story, including mapping out future dreams, aspirations, plans, and decisions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data (2010-2012) from eight MB workshops were examined to determine the impact of the intervention on mental health, social support, and quality of life.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recruitment efforts resulted in n = 72 participants, primarily female (72%), White/Caucasian (93%), average age of 70 years. Data indicated intervention effects showing improvements in depression (p = .041), mood disturbance (p = .0067), and cognitive performance (p = .0045).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MB outcomes indicate that the intervention is promising and supports continued investigation and development in the area of life story development for aging preparation and improving late life mental health distress in a community setting. Future research is needed to examine the versatility and long-term effects of the MB intervention.
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland, College Park, USA fzanjani@umd.edu.
authors.forename: Faika
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zanjani
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Medical Branch, Gavelston, USA.
authors.forename: Brian G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Downer
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
authors.forename: Amy F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Hosier
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Watkins
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: aging; brain exercise; communication; intervention; legacy; life story; mental health; social support