For most of us, memory loss is normal, but it can also be frustrating and confusing. Why can’t I remember where I left my phone when I can remember some obscure fact from two weeks ago? And why does it seem like whenever I remember a new name, my brain discards another to make room?
One way to help maintain your memory and lower your risk of cognitive decline is to follow the Alzheimer’s Association’s 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain, which I’ve written about in previous columns.
But there are also “compensatory strategies,” based on how your brain encodes, stores, and recalls information. These strategies can help you cope with that everyday short-term forgetfulness, so you are more successful in recalling information.
Here are several strategies to try — if you’re not already using them.
1. Repeating things: When I meet someone new, I repeat their name at least three times in the conversation. But to ensure long-term retention, you should repeat the name after several minutes, several hours, the next day, and then every few days. People may think you’re nuts, but it can work!
2. Making reminders: Set reminders on your phone, create a daily to-do list — as my wife does every morning — or write reminders on sticky notes. But I have a problem with sticky notes. If I rely so much on them that I don’t focus on what I’m trying to remember, when I inevitably forget where I stuck my sticky note, I’m lost!
3. Using visual cues: Visual cues like brightly colored rubber bands or bracelets can be helpful ways to keep track of tasks you have yet to get done. It worked when I was younger, although these days they often only remind me that there’s something I am supposed to remember.
4. Setting consistent routines: Setting a consistent daily routine can reinforce patterns and help remember tasks. I know because it’s when I’m on vacation and out of my normal routine that I forget to take my morning pills.
5. Minimizing distractions: A clean living and working environment with minimal distractions may help you focus on your tasks and remember what you need to do. Research has shown that as you age, your brain is more easily distracted and then has more trouble remembering what you were doing before the interruption.
6. Avoiding multitasking: The term “multitasking” is a myth. Your brain can only focus on and encode one task at a time. When multiple tasks vie for attention, your brain lacks the energy to do any of them effectively. You need to give each separate task your full attention.
By using these strategies, you might not remember everything, but they may help you remember your next medical appointment!
You can learn more tips to improve your memory at www.health.usnews.com/senior-care/articles/how-to-improve-memory-expert-tips-for-seniors.
•••
Brain Tease: These may be too simple for you, but they weren’t for me. You may be better at lateral thinking.
1. In which sport do winners move backwards and losers move forwards?
2. Where do the biggest potatoes grow?
3. On which side of a cup is it best to have the handle?
•••
The American humorist who achieved great popularity for her newspaper humor column and wrote 15 books including “If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?” is Erma Bombeck. When I needed to submit this column, I was tagging along with my wife, who was attending the Oregon Library Association Annual Conference in Eugene. I will catch up next week. But I do know that last week I missed Nancy Higgins.
Until then, here are a few Erma Bombeck quotes that you might enjoy.
“When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they’re finished, I climb out.”
“My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.”
“If the nest is truly empty, who owns all this junk?”
“If you can’t make it better, you can laugh at it.”
“I once told a graduation class that fame is Madonna, success is Helen Keller. Know the difference.”
•••
In 1973, American actress and singer Bette Midler released a remake of the “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” on her 1972 The Divine Miss M album. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what singing group of three sisters, one of the most popular American musical acts of the 1940s, released the song in 1941? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with the Abbott and Costello 1941 comedy film Buck Privates.
•••
Well, it’s been another week, trying not to rush when I no longer need to. Until we meet again, keep a smile on your face and cash in your pocket.
•••
Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on second and fourth Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Town Hall (541-308-5997) — Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
Commented