Without memory we vanish; we cease to exist; our past is wiped out – and yet we pay little attention to it except when it fails us. We do precious little to exercise it, to nurture it or to protect it.
– Mark Twain

Memory loss is not inevitable with age. If you have moments of forget-fulness – wondering where you put the keys or why you are standing in front of the refrigerator – you are not alone. Your life is already filled with lots of information, details and busy-ness. Add to it all the miscellaneous information that you need to remember – area codes, phone numbers, zip codes, ATM and computer passwords and so on. It is no surprise that you draw a blank from time to time.

But there are some ways to exercise your mind. The following tips will help you tune up your memory and minimize the glitches.

1. Pay attention and concentrate. Hurrying, doing several things at one time or going back and forth from one task to another lessens your ability to focus on the details. Repeat information or write it down to enhance your ability to focus and retain information. You can maximize your memory potential with a little effort.

2. Eliminate negative expressions (such as “senior moment”) from your vocabulary. Negative thought patterns only perpetuate behaviors that you would like to change. No one remembers everything.

3. Develop better organizational habits. Find a specific home for frequently misplaced items.

4. Avoid cluttering your life with things that are not important. We all receive so much information every day, and a lot of it is trivial. If you are not sure you will need it, record it or file it in a place where you can refer to it later.

5. During times of stress, increase the use of your most effective memory strategies and memory props.

6. Develop better eating, exercise, sleeping and relaxation habits. Poor lifestyle habits can lead to memory challenges. Take good care of yourself and your memory will benefit, too.

7. When struggling to recall the name of something, try a word association. If you do not quite have the word that you are trying to think of, but you can recall that it sounds similar to another word, go through the letters of the alphabet. Try to substitute a similar word or provide a description and the word may come to mind more easily.

8. If you have hearing or vision loss, do not bluff it. This practice can interfere with your ability to receive all the information accurately. Instead, verify the information, especially the details. Asking someone to repeat what they've said is okay.

9. When you meet someone, make it a priority to say their name several times during your first conversation with them. Ask additional questions such as how they spell their name, if they have a nickname or if they were named after someone. You can also ask yourself if they resemble someone or if their name sounds similar to another name you already know. Linking a new memory with an old one may help you recall their name later.

10. Refuse to be bored. Life is an interesting journey and each moment is a gift. Stay engaged in life by volunteering your time, doing things with people whose company you enjoy and taking up mind-stimulating activities. Make it a point to learn one new thing each day. Whatever your level of daily activity, take it up a notch and make it more challenging!

These are just ten of the many things that you can do to promote successful aging. It is important to maintain your mental agility: Use it or lose it. However, if you do feel that your memory issues are significant or that they are getting worse, consult with your physician and get a complete physical examination. Over one hundred causes of memory loss are reversible, and early intervention for some of the more serious causes of memory loss can make a significant difference in safety and quality of life.

The Alzheimer's Association is an excellent resource. They can be reached by calling (216) 721-8457 or (330) 864-5646. Contact them for additional information including appropriate community resources.

Kathryn Kilpatrick is the author of the book “Walking the Path to Memory Fitness - One Week at a Time.” She presents memory enhancement programs for all ages and specializes in working with Alzheimer's patients and their families. For more information, visit her website at www.connectionsincommunication.com. She can also be reached by e-mail at kathy@connectionsincommunication.com.

Illustration by xrento.