Memory - Use it or Loose It?

As we get older, it is harder and harder to remember things. Where did I leave my keys? How do I perform this calculation? What is that fellow's name? It is something that happens to everyone as they age. You can slow this memory deterioration by following a few memory "exercises".

Apply the association method. It is easier to remember something we can associate it to something that we are familiar with and can more easily remember. You can link to any memory, person, place or thing. It can be something totally unrelated to what you are trying to remember, but something that will prompt a memory. In order to remember something for a long period of time you must link the new memory to an old memory. We do this often without even realizing it. In order to remember where a new address is, we link it in our memory to an old address or location we are familiar with. When I learned the route to a new job, I mentally told myself to turn right at an old farm I knew my husband's family built almost 75 years ago. When I meet someone new, I will mentally think of something their name or appearance reminds me of. This prompts that person's name in my memory.

When trying to remember information of a more technical vein, process the information, one piece at a time. When learning new process at work, I will take a small notepad and jot down short notes about each procedure. This will help me to digest better, the information I gathered.

Once you have gathered all of the necessary information, repeat it over and over in your mind. Repetition helps with recall. You can also apply association to the process or memory.

Memory exercises are the same exercises we encourage our children to perform when trying to learn new things. Work at, think of it over and over and over in your mind, or write it down several times until it comes to you easily.

Once you have successfully recalled the data, set it aside. Return to it about 15 minutes later and try to recall all the data or procedure again. Do this 3-4 times. After a few times, you will see that it is becoming easier to recall. This is because the process is being committed to your long term memory.

The mind is a wonderful thing, capable of storing many memories. Don't be afraid to use it!