I Forget Things..

With the advancing years of age my biggest problems is that I forget things. I spend considerable time of the day searching for items like my glasses, shoes, pen, medicines etc. Same holds good for my wife. So I tried to find reasons for our problem and possible remedies. Here are some thoughts:

Multitasking your brain is a very bad thing during old age. Sometimes I start getting dressed up for a walk and in between I remember to haul my trash outside my flat. In the process I forget where I have kept my shoes. So half way through I keep my trash can in living room and now start searching for my shoes. So none of the actions are complete. It is better to give one command to your brain. Finish that task first and then proceed to do the next task. It is pretty much like the command to a laptop, one thing at a time. Giving multiple commands would leave the software of the laptop hanging and nothing will be achieved.

Find suitable place for keeping items such as Spectacles, clothes, shoes, purse and medicines and be very rigid in following the habit of keeping things at their designated place.

Keep ‘Things to do” chits or planner handy to write down important information such as appointments, reminders, and grocery lists.

Use your phone or computer to set reminders, alarms, and alerts. You can also use apps that help you organize your tasks and schedule.

Repeat information: If someone tells you something important, repeat it back to them to help you remember it, better will be to note it down.

Use memory aids such as acronyms, rhymes, and visualization techniques to help you remember information.

Keep a routine. Stick to a routine as much as possible, such as eating meals at the same time each day and going to bed at the same time each night. This can help you remember important tasks and appointments.

Exercise regularly and engage in mental activities such as reading, puzzles, and games to help keep your mind sharp.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep each night as lack of sleep can contribute to forgetfulness.

Using these techniques I have been generally able to reduce my forgetfulness however I have not been totally successful. I do slip up sometimes and a great confusion starts. Anyway there is no harm in trying. May be even you can benefit from these tricks.

Guchi.