We all know that frustrating feeling…searching for car keys, running into an acquaintance and blanking on her name, forgetting where you left an important paper.

Memory problems may feel like a sign of aging, but whatever your age, you can train yourself not to forget the things that are truly important to you.

Lynn Stern, social worker, The Geriatrics Center, University of Michigan Health System, teaches workshops with strategies to help people improve their memories and is co-author of a book, Improving Your Memory: How to Remember What You’re Starting to Forget.

Stern says that it isn’t realistic to expect that you will always remember information and will stop misplacing things, but an “awareness of the fragility of the working memory” and recognizing what you need to remember and are likely to forget will help. Working memory is equated with conscious thought and refers to the small amount of material that can be held in the mind at any given time.

Think about what information is a priority for you to remember, and use these tips to help you.

Don’t let yourself get distracted. Focus your attention on what you want to remember. Sometimes “forgetting” is really lack of attention. Before you blame your memory, ask yourself if you were really paying attention.

Take Care of Yourself
Stern says research is showing that “what is good for your heart is good for your head,” for example exercise and eating heart-healthy food. Illness, depression and fatigue can all impact memory. You are also more likely to forget things when you are under stress—including experiencing a loss, moving or even running late to an appointment.

Learn Something New
Stern says, “New learning helps people of all ages to keep their memories and minds in the best shape possible.” It is helpful to tackle a new challenge like learning a new card game.

Still Worried?
If you are concerned that your memory problems are not normal, seek medical evaluation. One sign you might need medical advice is if you can’t do something you once were able to do easily or well, like knitting.
It is impossible to have a perfect memory, and Stern reminds people that, “Everyone forgets sometimes. We figure out what is important for us, and then we do the best we can.”

Turner Geriatric Clinic and Turner Senior Resource Center offer a variety of programs, classes and support groups for the community. Information about classes like Improving Your Memory and Improving Your Memory for Baby Boomers can be found online or by calling 734-764-2556.

Tips For Remembering
•Give yourself plenty of time. People of all ages forget more frequently when they are rushing.
•Make it a habit. If you always misplace your keys, put a hook near your front door and hang your keys there every time you enter the house. That way you won’t have to hunt for the keys when you are leaving.
•Make choices. No one can remember everything. So put effort and energy into those areas that are most important to you.

To find out about memory improvement classes for older adults and baby boomers, call 734-764-2556.