The Powerful Memory Tool You ALREADY Own

It’s natural to worry memory decline as we age.

We often turn to brain training games or supplements to keep our minds sharp. And those are fantastic options to help keep your brain firing on all cylinders.

However, there’s another incredibly effective “memory tool” that most of us overlook.

New research reveals this tool could be the key to maintaining our independence as we age.

And the best part? It may already be in your pocket…

Surprisingly, new research suggests that our smartphones could play an unexpected role in keeping us mentally sharp as we age.

Scientists from the University of Texas at Arlington and Arizona State University have made a fascinating discovery that could change how we think about aging and memory.

A recent study finds that simple digital reminders might be even more effective than brain-training programs (although there’s no reason to not do both).

As we age, the biggest challenge isn’t just recalling past events—it’s remembering what we need to do in the future.

This kind of memory, called “prospective memory,” helps us remember essential tasks like taking medications, attending doctor’s appointments, or paying bills on time. This type of memory typically declines with age, but here’s where things get interesting…

The research team conducted two clever experiments comparing how younger and older adults remember things. What they found was surprising: when older adults had access to simple reminders, they performed just as well as younger people.

In fact, in some cases, the age-related memory differences disappeared completely.

Here’s the fascinating part: older adults used these reminders quite strategically. As tasks became more complex, they checked their reminders more frequently than younger participants.

This shows they weren’t just passively using the aids… they were actively adapting to overcome potential memory challenges.

This discovery is a game-changer for how we think about aging and memory. Instead of viewing memory aids like smartphone reminders as a crutch, we should see them as valuable tools that can help maintain independence and quality of life.

It’s similar to how we don’t think twice about using glasses to read—they’re simply tools that help us perform better.

So, how do you make this work for you or your loved ones? Consider making better use of the technology you already have:

• Use your phone’s calendar app to set reminders for appointments
• Set up automatic alerts for medication times
• Use digital to-do lists for daily tasks
• Enable automatic bill payments for regular expenses

The bottom line here is an encouraging one. While we can’t completely stop age-related brain changes, the right tools can help us adapt and make the most of our memory. Just as hearing aids support aging ears, digital tools can support aging minds.

Sometimes, the best solutions really are the simplest ones. Oh, and if that smartphone IS in your pocket, for goodness’ sake, get it out of there!

Smartphones have become a fixture in most of our lives. They’re here to stay. But keep yours in another room and check it periodically to reduce your direct exposure to non-native electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

P.S. Hidden DNA guardian SHIELDS brain health.

Source:

Ball, B. H., Peper, P., & Robison, M. K. (2024). Reminders eliminate age-related declines in prospective memory. Psychology and Aging. Advance online publication.