It is a common misconception that as we age so does our memory. Many researchers have found this to be untrue.

There is a small decline in ones thinking process but not with ones ability to retain memories and remember. As we grow older our remote memories and the ability to recall those past events stay fairly well maintained, however it is the more recent short-term memories that are more likely to become affected as we age. All this really means is that it may take us longer to remember or to recall the facts and events especially if one is multitasking or trying to do something else in the process. Another common issue is the recalling of objects or getting the correct words out. This does not mean the memory is gone or that as we age we lose our cognitive abilities to remember but that it takes a little more time.

As we do age, it is not necessarily age that affects the memory but the other factors that go along with aging such as health, medications, and sensory changes. If one is on certain medications for other health related issues this can have a profound effect on the way one processes information. Also many times as we age, we began to have things like hearing and vision changes, which will affect the way things are seen and or heard this will have a profound effect on the way we take in or process the information given. Therefore, as we start to blame memory loss on just getting older we need to look at all that is going on around us.

There are several things I have learned to help keep ones memory functioning at top speed.  Those things are to reduce stress, maintain good health by staying fit and active, and by keeping ones brain mentally and cognitively stimulated. This can happen by doing things as simple as a crossword puzzle or playing games.  I have included a great site that has many tips and different ways of keeping a sharp mind along with other information about aging and memory.

http://helpguide.org/life/prevent_memory_loss.htm