Subjective Memory Complaints Related to Satisfaction With Meaningful Activities Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Objective This study explores the relationship between subjective memory complaints (SMC) and satisfaction with meaningful activities among community-dwelling older adults. Methods Data were analyzed from 539 older adults without cognitive decline (mean age 74.6 ± 6.1 years, 65.0% female) who participated in a community-based health check survey (Tarumizu Study, 2019). SMC was assessed using four questionnaires, and SMC was determined when at least one of the four questionnaires was applicable. From the Aid for Decision-making in Occupation Choice (ADOC), participants selected meaningful activities. Satisfaction with these selected activities was also evaluated. Satisfaction levels were compared between participants with and without SMC, and the relationship between SMC and satisfaction with meaningful activities was analyzed using multivariate analyses. Results The prevalence of SMC was 63.2% (n = 339). Participants with SMC reported lower satisfaction with meaningful activities compared to those without SMC (p = 0.012). Notably, participants who responded positively to SMC-2 ("Do you forget where you have left things more than you used to?") (p = 0.027) and SMC-4 ("Do other people find you forgetful?") (p = 0.004) had significantly lower satisfaction with meaningful activities. Logistic regression analyses revealed a significant relationship between SMC and satisfaction with meaningful activities after adjusting for covariates (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.633-0.996; p = 0.046). Conclusions There is a relationship between SMC and satisfaction with meaningful activities among community-dwelling older adults. Participation in and satisfaction with meaningful activities may play a role in developing effective support for individuals with SMC.