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.
Written By Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
For years he’s been the trusted doctor for celebrities, world-class athletes, and countless seniors looking to reclaim their health.
And now…for the first time ever… he’s making his medical breakthroughs available to readers all across America.
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D. is one of the most pioneering and innovative minds in medicine today – and he delivers cutting-edge cures each month through his Natural Health Response newsletter.
Natural Health Response readers get full access to Dr. Gerhauser’s protocols for chronic pain… heart disease… diabetes… Alzheimer’s… and even cancer. These are the very same treatments Dr. Gerhauser recommends to his own patients at his practice in Tucson, Arizona.
In addition to being a board-certified medical doctor, Dr. Gerhauser has earned two master’s degrees and has served as a clinical professor at the University of Arizona.
And as a physician at the world-famous Canyon Ranch, Dr. Gerhauser treated celebrities from around the world who paid dearly for the type of next-generation health information he provides Natural Health Response readers each month.
View More Free Articles
A 243% Increase in Heart Disease Deaths?!
I’ll never understand why doctors think the answer to the heart disease epidemic is at the bottom of a pill bottle. Has no one noticed that no matter how many prescriptions we write for high blood pressure or high cholesterol, heart disease STILL kills more people in the U.S. than any other disease? I have […]
The Holiday Blues: Protecting Your Mental Health
The holidays are a time of joy and connection for many. But for some folks, they’re the most challenging weeks of the year. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, mental health challenges often peak. With everything from financial worries to the pressure of social expectations, it’s no wonder the holidays bring out the “blues” for so many. […]
Better Blood Sugar in 60 Minutes
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have the perfect, peaceful holiday today. But let’s be honest, plenty of us will have to deal with a family member that gets on our nerves. However, dealing with annoying Uncle Al could be the least of your worries because if you’re not careful, the worst thing for your nerves […]
Dr. G’s Holiday Eating Survival Guide
The holidays bring a parade of indulgences—cocktail parties, cookie exchanges, and feasts brimming with carb-heavy, sugar-laden temptations. For the next couple of months, we’ll be surrounded by festive foods and treats we only see this time of year. With all these gatherings, it’s easy to feel torn between enjoying the season and staying healthy. The […]
Simple Ways to Protect Your Mental Health This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and gratitude. But for many, this season can highlight feelings of loneliness, stress, or loss. With pressures from social media, past family conflicts, or even memories of loved ones, Thanksgiving can be challenging for mental health. Fortunately, nurturing your mental well-being in small ways—starting with […]
The Holiday Treat That Lowers Blood Sugar
I’ll admit it… one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is homemade pumpkin pie. It’s a guilty pleasure this time of year. So, my advice is to go ahead and indulge. But limit it to a slice, and then do your blood sugar a favor by loading up on plain old pumpkin instead. Here’s why… […]
FDA Declares Popular Decongestant USELESS
If you’ve ever turned to over-the-counter (OTC) cold meds for relief from a stuffy nose, well this news may surprise you… The FDA is proposing a ban on oral phenylephrine, the ingredient in many popular decongestants. Why? Because it doesn’t work. Despite being the main decongestant ingredient in OTC brands like Sudafed PE, Tylenol Cold […]
5 Ways to “Beat the Bloat” This Thanksgiving
As we prepare for Thanksgiving week, there’s a lot to look forward to and be thankful for. Family gatherings, football games, great food, and even better desserts top the list. Then there are all the leftovers. It’s not a holiday that’s known for moderation. But if you’re not careful, overdoing it on Thanksgiving could leave […]
Eat THIS to Reduce Your Risk of 14 Cancers
I’m a meat-and-potatoes guy. I’ll never turn down a big, juicy steak. But even more than that… I’m a fish guy. There’s not much I like more than a perfectly grilled salmon. I hope you do, too, because salmon contains two potent nutrients tied to a reduced risk of 14 types of cancer. Omega-3s are […]
The Bad Habit Robbing YEARS from Your Life
I often get eye-rolls when I stress just how essential lifestyle factors like light reducing pollution and grounding are good for health. But new research continually proves that I’ve been right all along. Today, a critical new study shows that something I’ve warned you about for YEARS is tied to a 34 percent increased risk […]