Experiences of age-related declining navigation abilities and impact on use of outdoor environments

A Qualitative Study of Young-Old Adults With Self-Reported Memory Difficulties

Dados Bibliográficos

ID7146345
AutoresMichelle Heward (0000-0002-4492-3726, Bournemouth University), Benjamin Hicks (0000-0002-6445-2415, Brighton and Sussex Medical School), Brooke Hedges (Bournemouth University), Rebecca Gaden (Bournemouth University), Jan M Wiener (0000-0002-9583-298X, Bournemouth University, autor correspondente)
Ano2025
Volume45
Fascículo3
Páginas573-593
Data de publicação2025-03-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAgeing and Society (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0144-686X • E-ISSN: 1469-1779
EditoraCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0144686x23000612
OpenAlexW4388296469
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas44

Laboratory-based experiments show ageing negatively impacts navigation abilities, yet a paucity of research explores lived experience. This exploratory study examined young-old adults' experiences of declining navigation abilities during 16 semi-structured telephone interviews. Findings reveal: (a) ‘Behavioural drivers’ that underpinned the participants' experiences and actions when engaging with their environments, (b) ‘Avoidance’ and (c) ‘Active’ strategies that were adopted by the participants. Declining cognitive function appeared to have a negative impact on participants' perceived abilities and confidence to navigate unfamiliar outdoor environments, which in turn influenced the strategies they chose to adopt. Future psychosocial interventions should draw on neuropsychological theory to ensure retention of navigation skills and confidence for as long as possible

Cognition · Developmental psychology · Exploratory research · Neuropsychology · Psychological intervention · Psychosocial · Psychotherapist · Child and Animal Learning Development · Memory and Neural Mechanisms · Psychology · Spatial Cognition and Navigation