Tips about memory for the elderly, the senior citizens and old farts

I was about 50 when I began to notice it. More and more I was hearing people (my age and older) comment about their memory, recall, and old times. It would bring to mind my grandmother. Here's my advice.

1. If you can't remember a word, face or event, DO NOT SAY to yourself or others some version of "I can't remember." Do not make an angry or silly face or slap your head (it causes wrinkles). You're reinforcing the idea, setting it in cement. Pause, breathe and continue. If it was gossip, it's just as well.

2. DO NOT SAY to yourself or others, "Oh, this is so frustrating!" That will probably signal to your body that it should be alarmed and raise your blood pressure or start a headache.

Instead.

1. If you are writing, just make a small line to be filled in later. When the word or topic comes back (and it usually will), you've provided the context and you can continue.

2. If you are talking, move on to the next word, sentence or topic. The person you're talking to is probably also forgetful or distracted and may not notice unless you make it a big issue. If it was gossip or criticism, it's just as well because no one wants to hear it anyway.

 
Ascension Day is tomorrow or Sunday, June 1, depending on the tradition you follow. Think of that thought or idea as Jesus ascending into the clouds (or if you aren't religious, maybe THE cloud for computer storage), but soon the Helper, the Comforter, the Paraclete or the Caller-to-mind will descend, and you'll be filled with joy and peace.

Memories

Many years ago, I read a short piece in a woman's magazine about clearing out the home of an elderly woman after her death. Among her belongings they found a large ball of string (frugal people used to save string, rubber bands, pieces of foil, bread bags, etc. for some need in the future). It was labelled, "Pieces of string too short to use." That's how I feel about my memories; I'm grateful I started a blog (web log, or diary on the internet) 20 years ago, because I remembered then details I can't recall now. I occasionally recall something from Alameda, CA during our time there in WWII, or an event at Faith Lutheran in Forreston, IL where we lived after Dad's time in the Marines. One piece of string I found today for which I have no story to write because I was trying to remember the pastor's name, is how cute my little brother looked in his Bumble Bee costume for the Mother's Day program at the church.
It's a piece of string too short to use.

Billy Collins wrote a poem called "Forgetfulness" in 1994. It's the only poem I have posted on my refrigerator. https://youtu.be/aj25B8JYumQ?si=M5m15Zd1J-cI5zvX You can hear the audience laugh, but you'll recognize every line. It's happened to you,

This 2011 blog entry includes both Alameda and Forreston at Christmas. Collecting My Thoughts: Monday Memories--Christmas in the 1940s

Collecting My Thoughts: Monday Memories of Kindergarten and Alameda