How to improve your memory as you age
While age-related memory lapses are a reality of getting older, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. In fact, that old saying “you can’t teach old dogs new tricks” is simply not true – there are many things you can do that will help keep your memory stay sharp for as long as possible.
Tansel Ali, a three time Australian memory champion who once memorised two Yellow Pages phone books in 24 days, tells Over60 that anybody can have a better memory.
“Memory improvement is just like physical exercise. If we don't train it, it will eventually decline,” he says, adding, “We can however reverse things mentally. Memory improvement is a result of using ones imagination. If one is able to visualise and imagine, then they’re able to improve their memory. Knowing this, then anyone, no matter what age is able to have a better memory.”
The author of How to Learn Anything in 48 Hours says that working to improve your memory is not only beneficial for remembering where you put those keys or recalling an acquaintance’s name, but it’s also got the hidden benefit of expanding your creativity and improving your mental wellbeing.
“Since memory improvement is a result of using our imagination and creativity, it helps to greatly build these particular skills. In doing so it creates better problem solving capabilities, decision-making, lateral thinking, as well as increase self-confidence, motivation and belief to tackle any problem,” he explains, before pointing out, “We know how important it is to improve out physical health. Improving memory is helping us to improve our mental wellbeing.”
But those looking for a catch-all memory technique will be disappointed.
“There is no one top technique. People learn and do things in different ways,” Tansel says.
He recommends that people try a variety of memory techniques and figuring out what works for the individual.
“It is always best to look at memory improvement holistically and enjoy practising skills such as imagination, visualisation, story-making, play, creative writing and speaking. Practising these skills will nurture and prepare the brain to be mentally active and allow creative juices flowing so that it engages and assist us with a better brain,” he says.
Almost any brain-training suggestion will work if it offers your mind novelty and a challenge. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Visualise what you need to remember by converting the words into pictures
- Use rhymes or mnemonic devices
- Create a mental memory tree to connect all the information you need to remember together
- Associate what you’re trying to learn with what you already know
- Write out what you need to remember
- Find a common interest or mutual friend with new acquaintances to remember their names
- Imagine in your mind doing what you need to remember