My memory is good, most of the time
The other day I walked into my study. After a few moments, I left because I could not remember why I went there in the first place. Then I recalled why I was there, I couldn’t find my keys and thought they might be on my desk. Has this ever happened to you? If you’re over 65, chances are it will happen to you more frequently in the years ahead.
Image by jurvetson via Flickr
“New Seniors” like me, born between 1930 and 1945, look younger, feel younger and act younger than any group of people who are 65+ in the history of this planet. And next year, the boomers start turning 65 at the rate of one every ten second until 2030. This is not to suggest that the aging process has stopped or even slowed down, although many of us wish it would. Rather, it means we are thought of as being in better overall condition then previous generations.
However, many who preceded us were in better physical shape because their jobs were physical in nature. But they did not have the advantages of modern medicine; and if they made it to 65, most of them retired instead of staying busy as we do. So it’s difficult to compare those folks to today’s aging population.
Something we all have in common is being forgetful. This applies to all ages. However, those 65 and over are attributed with being the ones with poor memories. No matter what age people are, if they have a simple memory lapse there is a standard excuse, “I had a senior moment.”
This line alone is reason enough for anyone within 15 years of having reached the 65 year milestone to refer to themselves as a New Senior. No one is going to say that you just had a New Senior moment. And if they accuse you of having a senior moment, all you need say is, “Please don’t call me a senior, I am a New Senior.” The conversation will end right there.
Of course, this will not end those occasional moments of forgetfulness. The best thing I’ve found is to make notes. Sometimes my pockets are filled with them, but it works as long as I don’t forget to transcribe them to a master list or get them into my computer for future reference.
I used to be a wiz at remembering phone numbers, but the age of the cell phone has replaced the need for that mental capability. Another area where I once took pride was being able to remember names. This is no longer the case. Now, I’m just happy to see them whether I know the person’s name or not. Funny, but I have no problem recalling places. Wonder why that is?
The only time I ever admit to forgetting is when I overlook doing things around the house or don’t pick up items at the store like I was asked. Not remembering birthdays and other dates are usually forgiven after reaching 65. So it’s not all bad. Now where did I put those keys?
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