EVERYDAY MEMORY TIPS FOR SENIORS

heather78876
Jun 2
8 min read

Updated: Jun 3

SENIOR MOMENTS

I’m getting old(er)! I hate that I can’t see, remember, or sleep as well as I did in my younger years. But that’s part of the normal aging process. I consider myself lucky that I even get to experience these things, as some people don’t make it to their senior years.

You may already be doing the following things to help with your memory. If not, give them a whirl or share them with someone who can benefit from these tips.

VISUAL CLUES

Without my contacts, I'm practically as blind as a bat. Perhaps not entirely, but I can't read anything without them. Even with my contacts, sometimes reading fine print is challenging. Here are some visual tips to assist you throughout the day.

1. Medicine bottles (shout out to Mom for this tip)

Use a black permanent marker to mark on your medication bottles where the arrows are to open the childproof cap that no human can manage to do on the best of days.

2. Shower faux pas

When purchasing shampoo and conditioner, use a permanent marker to label them with a large 'S' for shampoo and 'C' for conditioner. This will help you avoid accidentally using the same product twice or in the wrong order, especially when the products have almost identical labels. "Why is my hair so greasy, and I just washed it?"

3. Can’t read the fine print

Struggling to read the fine print? Get out your phone and open the camera app. You can enlarge the print large enough to read the directions, or take a pic and enlarge the image.

To see or not to see
I store my contacts in separate jars labelled clearly as Right and Left. When I'm ready to use them, I put the left contact on the left side of my sink and the right contact on the right side. This ensures I get the correct prescription in each eye, since it's nearly impossible to read the labels or box without wearing contacts.

5. Where did I park my car?

I hope I'm not the only one who's ever forgotten where they parked at a busy mall. During my chemo treatments, it was even more challenging because I couldn't even recall which side of the mall I parked on! Oh, the effects of stress on the brain! Looking ahead, when I exit my car, I search for visual cues, such as aligning my car with a specific sign outside of a store. This method always works for me.

6. Where did I put my glasses?

I hear this from my husband all the time. You know what? Just buy a pair for every room! It’s just easier to find them.

Where did I put my keys?
Develop the habit of always placing your keys in a consistent spot, such as a tray or decorative box near the door.
Where did I leave my purse/wallet?
Same as above. Develop a routine of putting your purse or wallet in the same location every time you return home. Have you lost it completely? Hello Air Tags. AirTag is an air tracking device created by Apple. It functions as a key finder, assisting users in locating personal items like keys, purses, clothing, and vehicles.
According to them, "AirTag is an incredibly simple way to monitor your belongings. Attach one to your keys, place another in your backpack, and instantly, they appear on your radar in the Find My app, where you can also locate your Apple devices and stay connected with friends and family."
Visualize it
To boost your memory, it's helpful to consistently learn new things and participate in memory games and puzzles like Wordle, a family favourite. My aunt was remarkably sharp at 93; she regularly watched documentaries on diverse subjects and was a Wordle expert. She recommended using the letter X for incorrect letter spots, which helped her visualize the word. I often use this technique and proudly say I rarely fail at Wordle. Except for today, it was "rough."
Did I do this already?

1) Did I take the pill already? I have a pill that needs to be taken 30 minutes before eating, so I take it with my morning coffee. In the past, there were days when I couldn't remember if I had taken it because I hadn't slept well the night before. Therefore, to avoid taking it twice, I now place the glass I used to swallow it on my kitchen table. When I sit down for breakfast, I'll know I've already taken it. No glass on the table? I forgot.

2) Have I already applied my deodorant?

To avoid forgetting to use your deodorant or overspraying your perfume, place them on the bathroom counter before getting into the bath or shower. After using them, put them away.

Speaking of scents, did you know that your sense of smell changes after turning 50? This is known as presbyosmia. Your ability to detect odours or remember scents decreases with age. Often, perfume or cologne can be overwhelming on seniors because they can't smell the initial spray of their favourite fragrance they've been using for the past 40 years, so they continue spraying until they can detect it on themselves.

Throwback to my early Sears days when I managed cosmetics, we would tell our clients to buy several perfumes that they enjoy and change them up daily. Maybe a light citrus or floral scent in the summer, then a nice cedar or vanilla scent in the fall and winter. Fragrance 101. Parfum (perfume) has 15-40% fragrance oil and lasts 6-8 hours. EDT (eau de toilette) has 5-15% fragrance oil and lasts 2-3 hours. This is why perfume costs more. Save the perfume for special occasions.

OTHER STUFF

1. Why did I come into this room?

OMG. I hate when this happens! They suggest returning to the room you came from, hoping it might jog your memory. Or not. That's precisely why I'm awake at 1:15, 2:30, 4:00, and so on. It's the important things that disturb your sleep. Note to self: If you can read the clock at 2 a.m., you forgot to remove your contact lenses. Haha.

2. Names, names, names

If there's going to be a test, I've already failed. I am horrible with names.

When meeting someone new, repeat their name and try to use it during your conversation. Another helpful tip is to associate their name with a visual cue or memory, such as a distinctive feature of their face. For example, maybe Harry had a large beard? If you meet a girl named April, visualize April showers when you think of her.

And why do parents often call their children by the wrong name, or why do you do it with your own child? This insight comes from AI.

“Parents frequently mix up their children's names, often using a sibling's or another family member's name. This is a cognitive phenomenon linked to how the brain organizes people into social groups or "mental folders," which can occasionally cause confusion when recalling names. Here's a more detailed explanation:

· Semantic Networks:

Our brains create mental "networks" where information is organized and grouped. When people belong to the same social group (like siblings or close family), their names may be stored closely together in these networks.

· Cognitive Glitches:

Occasionally, when you're talking about one person, the brain might momentarily retrieve a related name from the same "folder" or network. This can cause a temporary misnaming error.

· Not a Reflection of Love or Affection:

Although it might seem like your parents favour one sibling over you, it's more likely just a cognitive slip. This phenomenon doesn't necessarily reflect any favouritism or lack of affection for you.”

I still want to know who Carol is. My father-in-law used to mistakenly call me by that name, and I often wondered, Does Doug have another girlfriend? (he didn't)

3. When is my Dr. appointment?

A calendar is extremely useful. If needed, get help from someone to set up and teach you how to use the calendar on your phone, or buy a nice physical one to keep next to your phone.

4. What is my password?

Just like everyone else, you need a password for numerous places. If you're tech-savvy, consider using a Password Manager. Personally, I prefer using the face recognition feature on my phone. If that's not an option, jot it down in a private notebook and update it by crossing out the old password and writing in the new one.

5. What is your licence plate, Mam?

Jot down your license plate number on a piece of paper and store it with your license in your wallet. This way, if you need to provide the information, you won't have to return to your car to check. Even better, try associating the letters with something memorable. For example, if your plate starts with CJAC, maybe you have a son named Jack, and you love to 'see' Jack. Now, to just remember the numbers!

6. What is your cell phone number, Mam?

Since you don't typically call your own number, it can be difficult to remember, particularly after switching phone plans. If you check your Contacts on your phone, your name and phone number are listed at the very top.

7. Did I miss x’s birthday?

Whether you love or dislike Facebook, it serves as an excellent tool for keeping track of your friends' birthdays. Planning to leave Facebook? Navigate to the left panel and select 'See more'. Click on 'Birthdays'. Your friends' pictures will appear on the right. Hover over their picture to see their birthday date. Write it down to create a master list.

8. Milk, eggs, yogurt, butter and cereal.

How many times have you entered the grocery store and thought, “What was the 5th thing I needed?” Write it down! There's no shame in that. Go a step further and list the items in the order you’ll find them in your favourite store, i.e. keep veg together on your list, dairy, etc. It will help you skip extra steps in the grocery store—unless you're counting them, of course. By the way, taking 6,000 to 8,000 steps daily is advantageous for seniors.

What day is it?
Honestly, if you're a senior, it might not be such a bad thing unless you have a hot date or an important appointment. When you're retired, Monday through Sunday tend to blur together. The name of the day doesn't really matter. For me, if I wake up in the morning and go to bed at night, I'm on the right side of the earth. Call the day whatever you want.
What meds are you taking?
Arrange all your current medications and take a clear photo with the labels visible. This allows you to refer to the picture if someone asks, ensuring you don't forget to mention any you're taking. Alternatively, write them down on a piece of paper and keep it in your purse or wallet. This could be life-saving!

11. Mise en place.

A French culinary term meaning everything is in its place before you cook or bake. Place everything on your counter that is in the recipe, and once you use it, immediately put it back in your cupboard. I love baking with my grandkids. We get yapping and laughing so much that sometimes we forget our last step! How many times have you asked yourself, “How many cups did I put in the bowl?” When measuring out flour, for example, say out loud, 1 cup, 2 cups, 2 ½ cups. That will help you to remember to put in the required amount.

12. Normal aging or dementia?

From alzeimer.ca

Compare the signs

There are several ways to differentiate between memory difficulties related to normal aging and those associated with dementia.

Here are some examples. This is not a diagnostic tool.

Signs of memory loss as a part of normal aging

You cannot recall details of a conversation or event from a year ago.
You cannot remember the name of someone you know.
You occasionally forget things and events.
You sometimes have trouble finding words.
You are concerned about your memory, but your friends and family are not.

Signs of dementia

You cannot remember details of recent events or conversations.
You cannot recognize or name family members.
You forget things or events more often.
You frequently pause and substitute words when speaking.
Your friends and family are concerned about your memory, but you are unaware of any issues.