Navigating Memory & Aging
As a senior, I often think about the beautiful lyrics written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman for the movie The Way We Were:
"Memories light the corners of my mind. Misty water-colored memories of the way we were."
As we age, our memories become DEEPLY IMPORTANT. They are our connection to who we are and where we have been. Even when a loved one is gone, our memories of them remain intact, if we are lucky. When I think of my own mother, I remember her kind eyes, her gentle smile, and her hands. My memory allows me to keep her close and hold onto what she truly meant to me.
While memory changes are a natural part of aging, they do not have to mean a loss of independence or a diminished quality of life. Understanding how memory works, and recognizing when to seek help, empowers seniors to protect and enhance their cognitive health.
Normal Aging vs. Dementia Warning Signs
Typical Aging:
Occasional misplacing of items
( e.g. keys or glasses )Forgetting an appointment but remembering it later
Occasionally having trouble finding the exact right word
Warning Signs:
Getting lost in familiar neighborhoods
Difficulty completing everyday tasks
(e.g. managing medications or paying bills )Confusion with dates, time, and the passage of time itself
Significant, unexplained personality or mood swings
If you notice these changes in yourself or a loved one, the most important step is to seek a consultation with a qualified physician. Help is available, and your doctor can provide invaluable guidance.
Cherishing the Gift of Memory
Memory is a fundamental part of what makes us human, yet we rarely think about it until it begins to slip away. Today, many seniors face the profound struggles of Alzheimer’s disease. If you are blessed with an intact memory, it is something to be deeply appreciated and cherished.
I recently watched an old interview with Charlton Heston, a brilliant actor from the Golden Age of Hollywood. At the time, he was frail and newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As he and his wife of more than fifty years spoke openly about the condition, I was struck by his immense courage and his determination to make every single moment count.
So many people, both young and old, live with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of cognitive loss. It can feel random, devastating, and entirely out of our control when memories suddenly seem to fade. That is why reaching out for medical support and community resources is so vital.
IN CONCLUSION, memories are the mental processes of encoding, retaining, and recalling our past experiences, knowledge, and sensations. They form the foundation of our personal identity, allowing us to learn, adapt, and navigate the world by connecting our history to our present.
To close with another beautiful line from The Way We Were:
"Memories may be beautiful and yet, what’s too painful to remember, we simply choose to forget. So it’s the laughter we will remember, whenever we remember the way we were."
~ LaVerne Wallace ( Co-Founder )
