We all need a little help from time to time to remember birthdays and anniversaries, where we left our keys, the time of an appointment or someone's name. While possessing an extraordinary memory might be nice for some, most of us can improve our memory by using simple strategies.

  1. Pay attention. As we age, our senses may not be as good as they once were. By actively listening– restating, questioning and acknowledging– you will remember more easily.
  2. Write appointments on a large calendar. Carry a memo pad and pen to take notes and place a pad and pencil next to every telephone and on your nightstand. Writing things down frees us from the stress of trying to remember short term information.
  3. Use games to remember names of people we have just met. You can associate their name with someone famous. For example, when you meet a person named Ann, you may associate them with your Aunt Ann, Ann Taylor (if she is a sharp dresser), Auntie Ann's Pretzels (if she is eating), or Ann Margaret (if she is beautiful)
  4. Apply sticky notes to doors, mirrors and cabinets. They are great reminders as long as you keep them to a minimum and take down the ones that you no longer need. Take down the sticky note for a name or appointment and put it in your pocket or purse to remind yourself where you are going.
  5. Use pill boxes that are set up for the whole day– morning, noon, mid-afternoon and night. Fill it up once a week. This also reminds you to refill prescriptions before you run out of your medication.
  6. Use alarms and timers to remind you to take your medication, leave for an appointment or eat lunch.