"Building a Better Memory"
Senior Focus - March 1997
It is often thought that as we age, we lose some of our memory. But that is not exactly what happens.
Experts at the Huffington Center on Aging at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston say that instead, the speed at which we process information slows down. As we age, it takes a little longer to absorb the information around us. Our reaction time also slows down.
A good memory can be maintained into advanced age by taking an active role in improving “remembering” skills.
Important strategies include:
 | Paying attention. Anyone, regardless of age, is going to have a difficult time remembering something if they don’t pay close attention to it. We tend to remember things we want to remember. |
| Repeating names, directions and other items. Studies show people have an easier time remembering specifics if they repeat them out loud. |
| Writing things down. A business professional can’t get through the day without jotting down notes in a calendar or notebook. It’s a good idea to carry that practice into retirement to help you remember appointments and other important activities. |
| Establishing habits. If you have a difficult time remembering where you put your keys, develop the habit of always putting them in the same place after you enter your home. |
| Relaxing. If you are having trouble remembering someone’s name, take a deep breath and give yourself time to let the name come to you. |
Memory loss is the number-one concern of older people. But research shows that people who stay active both physically and mentally tend to maintain memory skills longer.
