Advancing Age and Memory

Human brain is the essence of what makes one a human. It is the most complex machine ever invented. Its numerous cells help the body regulation, learning from experiences, storing them and summon the thoughts that are unique to each one of us. Human memory does deserve a pat on its back. Well done!

Memory is a wonderful attribute of a human being.  But like the rest of the human body, the brain also cannot escape aging.

Brain aging is associated with memory loss and decreased intellectuality, which affect the life quality. However, with proper understanding and adjustments, memory lapses (forgetfulness) can be tackled and one can lead a full life.

Working of the Memory

The entire process of memory functioning comprises of registration, storage and recalling.

Whenever one comes across any new information, the brain absorbs that and transfers it to the area of storage (registration). This information received is filed for future reference (storage). Further this information is retrieved when required (recalling).

What Affects Memory?

The efficiency and accuracy of our memory is dependent upon the circumstances on which we use it. The first step of memory functioning, i.e., registration, is often hindered due to many factors. It may not be total registration due to overloading of information, state of mind at the time of registration, any physical disability or illness.

If anyone of us is confronted with too much of information at a particular time, it is not possible to recall all of it later, when required. Reason being that our capacity of registration and storage is overloaded.

Many of us are mostly preoccupied with our thoughts and do not pay attention to the new information, resulting in improper registration.

People with some physical disability or illness cannot absorb and register the information, reason being the state of stress of having to cope with painful conditions.

Ageing and Memory

As we become older, our body changes so do our mental processes. Older people tend to learn new things at a slow pace may be because of difficulty in dividing attention between two things at a time and in ignoring the irrelevant information.

However, there is a positive side too! Older people with wide experience of life know efficient ways to do things, which makes up for their speed loss.