Oh! My Memory

As each day passes, and as my schedule grew, I found that I kept forgetting to do things. "A sign of old age," teased my husband. The situation got worse with stress and demanding jobs. It was only after I retired that I had time to reflect on this. I wanted to understand what had happened, and if possible, share with others, ways to overcome such problems.

2. Recently, I read an article by Allison Renner on 10 Practical tips on improving your memory. Indeed, some of the things she said made a lot of sense. I particularly liked the following recommendations:

   1. Stimulating the brain through brain teasers, including new routines;
   2. Exercising to keep body healthy and improve memory function. She contended that walking at least 6-9 miles a week, gives you more brain volume;
   3. Sleeping enough to give time for the brain to work on memories;
   4. Managing stress levels to reduce negative effects on brain cells and the hippocampus (section of the brain that forms new memories and stores old ones);
   5. Eating more brain food packed with anti-oxidants and Omega-3 to protect brain cell damage and reduce risk of dementia;
   6. Reduce multi-tasking as age progresses so that it will not be so stressful and demanding on your memory; and
   7. Stay focused so as not to be easily distracted.

    

3. For many who are from the working class and are wage earners, or pensioners or housewives, these pointers are appealing because they are practical and inexpensive. But it is not as simple as that. The key to having a better memory is not just by reading articles such as this but to have the commitment and discipline to follow recommendations that have been made.

4. One of the best ways of following recommendations is to find a friend or family member to do things together. Encourage and help one another. Make your activities fun activities to encourage yourself to go on. You will be surprised at the outcomes.