Eliza Hartley
Aging comes with its quirks, one common one being forgetfulness.
Often, we adopt certain behaviors as we age that reflect our memory slipping, without even realizing it.
These patterns are subtle ways our brains compensate for our increasing forgetfulness. And interestingly, many of us exhibit similar behaviors.
Let’s explore 8 common behaviors people unconsciously adopt as they become more forgetful with age.
1) Repetitive reminders
As we grow older, our memory doesn’t always serve us as well as it once did.
One common behavior that many of us unconsciously adopt is the use of repetitive reminders.
We might find ourselves leaving multiple sticky notes around the house. Or setting countless alarms on our phones. Or repeating important information to ourselves, aloud or internally.
These actions are our brain’s way of compensating for memory lapses, like an insurance policy against forgetfulness.
It’s a clever strategy, but also a clear sign that we’re becoming more dependent on external cues to remember things.
So if you notice an increase in these repetitive reminders, it could be a sign that your memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be.
But don’t worry, it’s just one of the many natural changes that come with age.
2) Frequent misplacement of items
I’ve noticed this one in myself quite a bit lately. Like when I put my glasses down and then can’t remember where I left them.
It’s become a sort of game in my house – “Where did I put my glasses this time?”
My family usually ends up finding them in the most random places, like the fridge or the bookshelf.
And it’s not just glasses. It could be keys, phone, or wallet.
The frequent misplacement of everyday items is another behavior that many of us unconsciously adopt as we become more forgetful with age.
It’s frustrating, sure. But it also makes for some hilarious moments. And in the end, it’s just another sign that our memory isn’t as reliable as it used to be.
3) Over-reliance on calendars and planners
As our memory starts to fade a bit with age, many of us naturally start leaning more heavily on tools like calendars and planners.
We might begin scheduling even the smallest tasks or making daily to-do lists to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
This over-reliance on scheduling tools can seem like an innocent organizational habit. But it often signifies our brain’s effort to compensate for an increasing forgetfulness.
So, if you find yourself scheduling every little thing or unable to function without your planner, it might be a sign that your memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be.
But remember, it’s just another normal part of aging.
4) Losing track of conversations
As we age, it’s not uncommon to lose track of conversations or forget what we were just talking about.
This can be particularly noticeable when we’re not fully present in the moment, when our minds are elsewhere while someone is speaking to us.
Mindfulness, the practice of being fully engaged in the present moment, can be a powerful tool to combat this.
In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve into practical strategies for harnessing mindfulness in our daily lives.
By learning to focus our attention and live in the present, we can improve our memory and cognition.
5) Difficulty remembering names
It’s always a bit embarrassing when you meet someone, only to forget their name moments later.
It happens to everyone from time to time. But as we age, it can become more frequent. You might even find yourself forgetting the names of people you’ve known for years.
This isn’t a sign of rudeness or disinterest. It’s usually just our memory playing tricks on us.
The good news is, there are strategies to help with this, like associating a person’s name with a visual image or repeating their name several times during the conversation.
And, of course, there’s always the option to honestly admit the lapse and ask for a reminder!
6) Becoming more organized
Now, this one might seem counter-intuitive. You might think, “Isn’t becoming more organized a good thing?”
Absolutely, it is. However, a sudden shift towards extreme organization could be a sign that your memory isn’t serving you as well as it used to.
For example, you might suddenly start arranging your kitchen utensils perfectly or organizing your books in a meticulous order. This could be an unconscious attempt to create external memory aids.
While organization is generally beneficial, it’s worth noticing if it becomes a necessity rather than a preference.
It might just be your brain’s clever way of dealing with increasing forgetfulness.
7) Avoiding new technologies
As we age and our memory begins to fade, many of us tend to avoid learning new technologies. This can be because the learning process feels more challenging than it used to be.
It could be a new smartphone, a new app, or even a new kitchen appliance. The reluctance to learn how to use these can stem from our fear of forgetting the steps or procedures involved.
In essence, it’s our brain’s way of avoiding situations where our forgetfulness could be exposed or tested.
However, remember that tackling new learning challenges can actually help keep our minds sharp and active. So, embrace the challenge!
8) Asking the same questions repeatedly
Without a doubt, the most telling sign of increasing forgetfulness is asking the same questions over and over again.
This typically happens when our short-term memory isn’t as efficient as it used to be, causing us to forget the answer soon after we hear it.
It’s like our brain is stuck in a loop, constantly seeking information that it struggles to retain. It can be frustrating and even a little scary, but remember, it’s a common part of aging.
And there are strategies and exercises available to help improve memory recall.
Embrace the journey
Aging is a natural part of life. And with it, changes in our memory and cognition are inevitable.
These subtle behaviors we adopt as we age are not signs of weakness, but rather our brain’s incredible ability to adapt and find new ways to navigate life.
Our forgetfulness might even allow us to live more in the present, to truly practice mindfulness. After all, if we can’t remember the past as clearly, we have more room to focus on the here and now.
In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I discuss how we can embrace these changes and view them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Remember, aging is not a disease to be cured but a journey to be embraced. So let’s enjoy this journey, with all its quirks and changes, and make the most of every moment.
