What changes in memory are normal for people to experience as they grow older?
Although there are differences between people in terms of memory, many older people can expect the following changes: It becomes more difficult to pay attention to more than one thing at a time. It takes greater effort to learn something new. It is more difficult to call to mind familiar names and vocabulary words on demand. It takes longer to recall information from long-term memory. What should I do if I’m worried about my memory? Keep a record of the kinds of things you’re forgetting and how often you forget. Ask someone close to you if he or she has noticed that you are forgetting more than you used to. Consider whether other things in your life might be affecting your memory such as stress, depression, a recent loss, or a new medication. When you see your doctor, tell him or her about all of these factors. What is the single most important thing I can do to avoid frustrating memory lapses? Focus your attention on what you really want to remember. Much of what is called forgetting
