Need to improve your memory
Do you arrive at the grocery store only to find that you’ve forgotten what you needed? Do you lose your car keys frequently? If so, you are not alone. We all forget things occasionally, but memory problems may become more apparent with age. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to reduce memory loss as you age.
Stay Organized
If your home is disorganized and cluttered, you will be more likely to forget where you put things and about important dates and events. Invest in a calendar, planner, or notebook to write down your appointments and tasks, and say them out loud as you write in order to help cement them into your memory. Work to keep a current to-do list and check items off of it as you finish them. Also, designate a special place in your home for keeping essential items, such as your car keys and wallet.
Keep Your Mind Active
In order to improve your memory, it is important to keep your mind active. Find a mentally stimulating activity that you enjoy in order to work out your brain, such as doing a crossword puzzle, reading something new, or taking up a hobby. Trying something new like volunteering at your local senior center, adult day care or YMCA can also give you a unique challenge on which you can focus.
Keep an Active Social Calendar
Socializing with friends and family frequently can help to fight against stress and depression, and both of these conditions can result in memory loss. If you live alone, this is especially important. If you are invited out to a social gathering, get up and go, even if you don’t feel like it. Chances are that once you get there you will enjoy yourself.
Limit Distractions
In order to keep your memory sharp, focus on one task at a time. By limiting distractions and focusing only on the information that you need to remember, the chances that you will recall it later will increase.
Don’t Ignore Your Physical Health
Living a healthy lifestyle can also help to improve your memory. Choosing a diet that is heart-healthy can be extremely important for both your heart and your brain, so focus on eating enough whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Make sure that you are getting enough physical exercise, as this can help to increase the blood flow to your brain. Also, if you have chronic health conditions like depression, high blood pressure, or diabetes, make sure to follow the treatment recommendations outlined by your doctor.
While we all suffer from forgetfulness occasionally, following these tips can help you to sharpen your memory. However, if you become concerned about your ability to remember information, or if your efforts to increase your memory are not helping, consider making an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your concerns. Our caregivers can assist you with a home exercise program to help you maintain your physical health.
The Nurses at Partners in Healthcare are available to talk with you about your in-home care needs including how to reduce caregiver stress while providing better, affordable care. We are a senior care agency providing elder home care serves in the Orlando area, 407-788-9393.
Hank Charpentier, MBA, MA, Certified Senior Adviser