How’s Your Memory As You Age? Most People Find It Gets Worse – But It Doesn’t Have To! Here’s What To Look Out For, To See If It’s Really a Problem
I hate to admit it but – I don’t remember as much as I used to. That’s fairly common as you sail past 60. But is it just “normal” forgetfulness (which becomes more obvious as you age), or is it a more serious memory problem?
Many of us worry when we forget things.
You might forget to pay a bill, or be unable to remember where you left your keys.
That’s frustrating – but it’s probably just ‘normal’ in terms of your memory.
So, when should you really start to worry about a more serious memory problem? I found a very useful infographic, which I’ve posted below.
Related: Essential Oils can help to improve your memory and concentration
But it’s useful to know that serious memory problems make it hard to do everyday things. For example, if you find it difficult to find your way home, drive or use the phone, you probably want to talk to your doctor.
Some more examples of signs that it might be time to talk to a doctor include:
- Asking the same questions over and over again
- Getting lost in places you know well
- Having trouble following recipes or directions
- Becoming more confused about time, people, and places
- Not taking care of yourself —eating poorly, not bathing, or behaving unsafely
Is It Dementia or Alzheimer’s?
Dementia is NOT a normal part of aging. People with dementia have problems thinking, remembering, learning, and reasoning — and their quality of life is affected.
Memory loss, though common, is not the only sign of dementia – there are also problems with language skills, paying attention and sometimes even personality changes.
There are different forms of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is a common form in people over age 65. The chart below explains some differences between normal signs of aging and Alzheimer’s.
| Normal aging | Alzheimer’s disease |
| Making a bad decision once in a while | Making poor judgments and decisions a lot of the time |
| Missing a monthly payment | Problems taking care of monthly bills |
| Forgetting which day it is and remembering it later | Losing track of the date or time of year |
| Sometimes forgetting which word to use | Trouble having a conversation |
| Losing things from time to time | Misplacing things often and being unable to find them |
Ways To Improve Your Memory As You Age
If you’re noticing that your memory is not as good as it used to be, and you’d like to improve it, here are some suggestions to improve and stay healthy.
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Learn a new skill e.g. a new language via Duolingo online, do a calligraphy or art class, woodworking or whatever takes your fancy- Follow a daily routine.
- Plan tasks, create to-do lists, and use calendars and notes – paper or electronic, it doesn’t matter
- Put your wallet or purse, keys, phone, and glasses in the same place each day.
- Volunteer in your community – for example, at a school, place of worship, animal shelter or old age home.
- Spend time with friends and family.
- Get enough sleep (most people need around seven to eight hours each night)
- Exercise every day, even if it’s just a little, and eat well
- Prevent or control high blood pressure.
- Don’t drink a lot of alcohol.
- Get help if you feel depressed for weeks at a time.
- Join a group of like-minded individuals for example, a walking or hiking group, dancing, music or art, swimming – whatever you enjoy doing.
Another useful tip is to eat nootropic foods – read about them here
Here’s the useful infographic I mentioned earlier
forgetfulness-infographic-aging
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How’s your memory? Let me know in the comments below.
Warm regards,
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