The key to a happy old age

Where does our sense of self come from? According to psychologists our 'autobiographical memory' is responsible for storing the memories that help us to create our own sense of identity. These memories are a type of ‘time machine’ that can conjure up vivid scenes, sounds, tastes, and emotions from our past. In fact, our sense of well being in old age is greatly affected by how good our memory is. But if we are what we remember, what happens if our memories are lost through ageing or disease? This 'psychology of ageing' is currently under investigation by Psychology PhD student Beth Wilson.

Beth will be focusing on how sufferers of Parkinson's disease, an age-related condition, are affected by the loss of autobiographical memory. She will be working as part of a team led by Professor Trevor Harley, which also includes Dr Siobhan MacAndrew from the University of Abertay, Lesley Jessiman, who will shortly complete her PhD and will remain at the University as a postgraduate research fellow, and Tracey Oliver, a second year postgraduate student. Trevor, Siobhan, Lesley and Tracey are currently investigating language processes in Parkinson's disease funded by the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the UK.

Beth is examining both how ageing affects the autobiographical memories of elderly people in general, as well as those suffering from illnesses such as Parkinson's. Having come to Dundee from Perth, Australia in 2002, Beth will remain in the city for the next three years while she undertakes her PhD. Having beaten off stiff competition from hundreds of other students, she has received the Royal Society of Edinburgh Studentship, plus an Overseas Research Scholarship that will fund her studies at the University.

Beth explains, "I decided that I wanted to continue my studies in the area of neuropsychology after I completed my degree earlier this year. As this is also Trevor's research area I thought this project would offer me a chance to carry out my research in a supportive environment and in a department with good facilities."

She adds, "The project doesn't just look into how ageing affects memory loss and identity, but also how this impacts upon issues of 'wellbeing' in elderly people.

Most people use their autobiographical memories to carry out a kind of consolidation process as they get older. This helps us to evaluate our achievements and our failures to achieve goals during our lifetime. But if we have lost many of our autobiographical memories then it might affect this re-evaluation process and influence our sense of self as we age."

The outcomes of the research will be used to develop ways to help people with memory problems and improve the quality of life of our ageing population. If you are interested in helping out with the research, the team is always in need of volunteers aged 60 and over to take part. Contact Beth on (01382) 348258 for more information.

Trevor Harley will be presenting at the 2005 Discovery Days in January.