But do I fear for my memory? Am I getting more forgetful? Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. Let's put it this way, if I was running a bath I wouldn't trust myself to turn the taps on, leave the room and come back five minutes later. Is that normal? Who knows. My mind wanders, that much I do know.
When my dad came over for my birthday recently I had a nightmare flash forward, a vision of me in 25 years. James was here at the same time and he probably looked at me and thought the exact same thing. In fact I know he did - we spoke about it. And had a laugh about it. I do remember that.
I have to do the same with pen and paper, always jotting things down, I just don't trust myself to remember things, but perhaps I've just got out of practice. Maybe it's like exercise, and we should work at it!
ReplyDeleteMind you - the one thing Mr SDS and I have both noticed in the last year or two is having real difficulty with names. I never imagined a time when I'd forgot people's names of all things; it was always something I was pretty good at. But it's definitely something specific I've noticed in much older people for years. Aargh.
C - Our brains get full. There's only so much information we can retain, and more importantly, retrieve. As Gram says (below), we shouldn't worry about it.
DeleteI find things stick less easily as I get older, whether it be new music or books I've read. There is a positive side to this, in that I can re-read Agatha Christie novels, as I've forgotten who did it.
ReplyDeleteI cut my literary teeth on Agatha Christie when I was in my early teens; now may be the time to revisit them.
DeleteI have a problem forgetting words, sometimes in the middle of a sentence, but it comes and goes. Same with names. Last year I forgot the name of one of my favourite footie team's players as I was watching a game on TV. But, it did come back to me.
ReplyDeleteI think the worst thing anyone can do is worry about it. Jotting down reminders is nothing to be worried about. It makes sense. Years ago, folk would say: "Old age doesn't come alone." and that was an end of it. Today, there's so much hype about what's good for you and what's bad for you - online, on TV and in newspapers - that you can spend your life worrying, whatever age you are. And that's a complete waste of precious time.
I won't talk about it here, but something memory related happened to me the other day which really made think, and did, If I'm quite honest, worry me. However, it passed within seconds and, as you say, worrying is the worst thing you can do. Anyway, who are you again?
DeleteThe other half hates the fact that I have to write everything she asks me to do down because I know if I don't I will have forgotten it by the time I get to the other side of the room. You can't see my desk at home or at work for post it notes.
ReplyDeleteThis isn't the future I was promised.
DeleteI am at present trying to cope with a mother who has memory issues. She in turn had to cope with my granny who also had long-term memory issues. My granny had to look after my great-granny for many years (who had memory issues). My daughter is looking at me and is very afraid!! But, only an issue because everyone lives to a grand old age in my family it seems which really shouldn't be a bad thing, although would I want it for myself - Not sure.
ReplyDeleteAs Lynchie says, key thing is not to worry about it - Writing everything down is great and don't know how anyone could operate if they didn't.
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DeleteA - If and when the time comes, your daughter will probably hold your hand and read a lot of your old blog posts back to you. And play all the tunes you've linked to them down the years.
Delete"Do you remember this one mum?', she'll ask, and you'll reply " Of course I do, your father and I used to rock your pram to this one...'