This is a comment in response to the comments about memory problems. I am 86 years old and the oldest player in my tennis group. Yet, I am the one who remembers the score most accurately.
I occasionally have trouble retrieving a word but if I wait a few seconds, it usually turns up. If not, I go through the alphabet until I reach a letter that triggers what I’m looking for. If I find it–great! If not, I don’t berate myself or my memory. There are plenty of other good words I can use.
If you make it a point to INTEND to remember, you will have a much better chance of remembering. If you intend to forget, you probably will. So, it’s important to eliminate negative expectations. I also work on FOCUSING my attention. Most of the time, it’s not that we forget it. We just don’t “get it” in the first place because we’re not paying attention.
Hope this is helpful to some of you.
ElderChicks 
Yes, focus on what you want to remember helps. I also use a small tape recorder that I have in my purse to record where I left my car in the parking lot and people’s names when I meet them. Writing things down helps me remember about new people I meet. It shows them that I cared enough to remember things they have told me.
I am 80 years old and I find that when I am giving a talk I tell people they may have to help me find the word I need. They laugh and seem to like the fact that they are my helpers.
Right on! I’ll be 82 next month and I can out walk and outdo people years younger.Thinking positively. Never losing the desire to learn something new. Volunteering to help others. It keeps life fun and worthwhile. You go, girl.
Hey Gloria, way to go, girl. Loved your post. I will be 85 next April and I am one of the youngest in my poetry group. Most of the members are former teachers, testimony to the mind set about getting better with age. You play tennis, I write, currently working on a book.
I have always believed that attitude colors our lives . . . and so I am a cockeyed optimist. (perhaps a bit too “ballsy” for an “antique”, but what the heck, I always leave my audiences laughing.)
You are wonderful, don’t be timid about pushing your agenda.
Thanks for this tip. “Intend” to remember. I plan to try it: think it will help me as I forget stuff seconds after I hear it, especially introductions!
Great, Gloria. Of course, I’m so much younger than you so I really have no problem with memory–though I don’t remember why I’m on a web site called ElderChicks. Seriously, my dear friend, I miss you and all our mutual friends in Rancho Bernardo. Bobbie keeps in touch and lets me know how great you look and how well you are doing. Much love, Pat
No question that my memory is not as good as it should be. We all worry about it and some of us for good reason, but it doesn’t mean that we have Alzheimer’s, for some of us it just means leaving more notes on the kitchen table. We have to pause and think, you know I never could remember appointments. Some of the things we forget we have always forgotten so don’t forget THAT and take heart.