Well, you can, don’t worry.
Really. Don’t worry. Although you might take those memory lapses as a sign of old age, try and remember that they happen to everybody of all ages. Don’t let them stress you out or lead you to question your ability to lead an active, engaged, and independent life.
Here are a few tips on how to manage those silly everyday memory lapses:
If you’re having a hard time remembering the name of your new neighbor or somebody else you’ve recently met, don’t worry. It happens. Next time you meet somebody, try to make it a meaningful connection. Most people forget names because they didn’t notice it was said or they didn’t make an effort to remember.
Try to repeat the name back after you’ve heard it immediately:
“Hi! I’m Keith!”
“Hi, Keith. It’s nice to meet you.”
Maybe even link it to something you might remember, like their appearance or job. “Tall Keith” or “Keith, the mailman.” Maybe you can remember it by linking it to another Keith that you know.
Routine tasks like locking the door or turning the stove off are easy to forget because you’re not really paying attention while doing them. Try saying out loud to yourself while doing it, “I’m locking the door,” as you do it.
Misplacing items is another everyday memory lapse. Try putting the things you regularly use in the same place every day, and near somewhere you’ll see them. By the door, your favorite seat, or the bed is a good place to put keys, glasses, and medicine.
You can also consider keeping a book of things you want to remember, like names. Just don’t write important information in there, like passwords.