Staying mentally sharp

Staying mentally sharp

Boost your memory and develop habits that can help counter
age-related memory loss:
 

• Make associations
For example, if you’re introduced to Fred who has red hair,
link his name to his hair color.
 

• Choose what to remember
If you meet several people at once, focus on remembering a
few key names.
 

• Recite, retrieve and review
Recite key information several times to learn it and retrieve
it often. Review information you’ll need, such as paging
through your high-school yearbook before your reunion.
 

 • Break it down
Break down new information into units. For example, to memo-rize a long-distance phone number, break it down into the area
code, three-digit exchange and four remaining numbers.
 

• Pay attention
Forgetfulness may indicate nothing more than having too
much on your mind. Slow down and pay full attention to the
task at hand. Reduce distractions. 
•
Keep track of appointments, tasks and contacts
Use appointment books, calendars, to-do lists, address books
or computer software — whatever works for you.
 

• Develop routines
For example, put frequently used items such as keys in a
designated spot when not using them.
 

• Create rituals and cues for common tasks
For example, make sure your keys are in hand before locking
your car doors. Place packages you need to mail near the
front door so that you won’t forget them.
 

• Consider meditation
Preliminary research indicates that meditation increases blood
flow to the area of the brain that’s associated with memory.

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