“Well, now we are old, nothing stays in memory anymore.”
We’ve all heard this line at some point from an elderly person — or perhaps said it ourselves. Sometimes we forget someone’s name, and at other times, something important we had just thought of slips out of our mind. We may recognize a face but fail to recall the name.
All this is quite natural as age increases. It’s not a disease, but rather a normal part of the aging process. There’s no need to worry — instead, we must accept it and deal with it wisely.
Weakening Memory – A Natural Bodily Process
God has created our body and brain with a limited life cycle. As age progresses, certain glands and cells in the body begin to slow down. This includes the cells connected to memory as well.
The good news is that the brain’s abilities don’t completely disappear — they just slow down a bit. With the right “exercise,” this decline can be significantly reduced.
Our Lifestyle Is Also to Blame
In earlier times, we used to remember so many things — relatives’ addresses, phone numbers, birthdays, important dates, and more. But today’s technology-driven lifestyle has made our brain ‘lazy’. Phone directories, reminders, voice notes, and our dependence on Google have taken us away from the practice of memory retention.
Even the habit of writing things down has nearly vanished. Earlier, to remember something, we would write it multiple times — the best way to memorize a poem in school was, “Write 10 times, read 10 times.” This deepened our memory. Now we simply store it in our mobile notes — and sometimes, we even forget to look at it again.
The Brain Also Needs Regular Exercise
Just like physical exercise is needed to keep the body fit, regular practice is necessary to keep the brain active. And this exercise isn’t limited to solving puzzles or playing chess. Some simple but consistent habits can improve your memory:
- Reading the newspaper daily and mentally summarizing the headlines.
- Rehearsing in your mind what you plan to say, in sequence.
- Writing down important tasks in a diary — not just typing them into a phone.
- Recalling and narrating a story, movie, or trip to someone — an excellent memory exercise.
- Taking up new hobbies — like music, playing an instrument, painting, or learning a new language — challenges the brain in new ways.
Use Technology, But Maintain Self-Reliance
Many people now rely on phones or diaries to keep important notes — this is not a bad habit. In fact, it’s a wise one. Some of my friends jot down every meeting or phone call briefly in their pocket diary, helping them recall details later without struggle. This habit also helps maintain their confidence.
Medical Advice Is Good, But Be Wary of Frauds
Some people consult doctors about memory issues and, if needed, take mild medications — and that’s perfectly fine. However, others fall for misleading ads on social media, such as “Memory-enhancing herb” or “Sharper mind in 5 days.” These claims are often deceptive and can sometimes harm your health.
Most Important — Keep Your Confidence Intact
Forgetting things is not a crime, nor something to be ashamed of. It’s a common human experience. But if we treat it as a disease and begin to stress over it, the problem may worsen.
We must trust ourselves. When something doesn’t come to mind, take a deep breath, pause for a moment, and calmly reflect — the answer often lies within.
Closing Thoughts
Old age is not a challenge, but a different kind of journey — where experience runs deep, even if the flow of memory slows a bit. This is natural. With the right habits, active thinking, and self-acceptance, we can make this journey even more enriching.
Remember — even if the pace of life slows down, the brilliance of memory can remain. All it takes is a steady, mindful effort to hold on to it.
Author
The author is the founder of the Never Say Retire mission. In order to achieve this goal, he also runs this website and his Facebook group Never Say Retire Forum has around 1600 members today.
