Tips from Harvard to have an agile memory after 60

As we age, it’s natural for us to experience changes in our memory, but there are practices and habits that can help us keep it agile and healthy over time.

Neuroscientist Lisa Genova, author of the best-seller “Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting,” shares seven essential tips for preserving memory after age 60, based on her experience and knowledge in the field of neuroscience.

Genova’s first tip is to use visualization as a tool to improve memory. By creating mental images of what we want to remember, we strengthen neural connections and facilitate the retention of information. Additionally, she suggests using imagination and creativity when remembering, incorporating strange or surprising elements to make memories more vivid and lasting.

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Another tip is to personalize the memories, associating them with aspects of our own life and personal history. This reinforces the emotional connection with the information and facilitates its storage in long-term memory. Additionally, Genova highlights the importance of looking for drama in experiences, since emotionally charged memories tend to be more memorable.

Practice and repetition are key to strengthening muscle memory and improving the execution of physical tasks. Likewise, the next tip is using retrieval cues, such as specific smells or times of day, can help trigger memories that might otherwise be forgotten.

Lastly, Genova emphasizes the importance of externalizing our memory through the use of lists, calendars, and sticky notes. Accepting that we can’t remember everything and using external tools to organize ourselves can ease cognitive load and make it easier to retain important information.

Above all, don’t neglect your general health and exercise. It is known that keeping these two areas in balance benefits brain activity, which also includes the functioning of your memory.