How to Keep Your Memory Young

Use routine and novelty
One of the most robust types of memory is unconscious memory, which underlies the effortless carrying out of most of what we do. Many habits are a form of unconscious memory. Developing memory habits – for example, checking your diary as you drink your first cup of tea each morning, or always placing letters to be posted in the same part of your bag – are a way of remembering without conscious memory effort.

However, using habits to avoid absent-mindedness is not the same as becoming wedded to routines. Encountering new situations help to encourage the brain into more effortful processing, so take different routes to places, or read a book you would not normally choose.

Give your interests extra context
Activities that you enjoy can be further enriched by finding out more about them. If you like gardening, learn more about plants and keep a diary of your own garden through the seasons. If you live in an old house, research its history and that of your street or town.

Question what you read or hear on the radio and television, and follow up areas of interest with some research in the library or on the Internet.

Make retirement a new beginning
The most remarkable memories in old age usually belong to people who never completely give up their life’s work. Most writers, musicians, academics and politicians, for example, continue to work well beyond retirement age. It is only to be expected that abandoning years of challenging mental activity abruptly at the age of 65 can leave the brain in need of stimulation.