Final answer:
The positive-mood effect in older adults' memories can be attributed to selective recall of positive events, improved emotional regulation, and reduced cognitive decline due to lifestyle factors and interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reasons for the positive-mood effect in older adults' memories include selective recall of positive events, enhanced emotional regulation, and reduced cognitive decline. The selective recall of positive events refers to the tendency of older adults to remember more positive experiences, an element underlying socioemotional selectivity theory, which posits that as people age, they focus more on emotionally satisfying experiences. Enhanced emotional regulation implies that older adults have become better at controlling and understanding their own emotional responses. Lastly, reduced cognitive decline may be attributed to various factors such as the neuroprotective effects of physical exercise, cognitive rehabilitation techniques, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.