Memory Issues and Slower Thinking
My Experience, My Routine, and Why I Don’t Call It a Disease
I have this problem too—but I am sure I do not have dementia. And I follow a simple, disciplined routine to manage it.
Lately, I have noticed some memory issues and slower thinking. Just today, while writing, I wanted to describe a style of narration—“I did this, I did that”—and suddenly I couldn’t remember what it was called. We all studied this in school! After a few minutes of searching online, I found the term: First-person narration.
This kind of forgetting is very common among elderly people. Kindly do not panic if this has started gradually with age. This does not automatically mean dementia. In most cases, it is simply part of the natural aging process.
Aging does not make us useless. It only makes us slower—and slower does not mean weaker.
Why This Happens
As we grow older, the brain takes a little more time to retrieve information. Think of it like an old library: all the books are still there, but the librarian walks more slowly to fetch them.
The bigger problem begins when we notice these small slips and start worrying about them. We begin to brood:
“Why did I forget this?”
“Is something wrong with me?”
“Am I becoming weak?”
This anxiety itself makes memory worse.
My Personal Rule: Keep the Brain Busy
This is my personal belief:
An idle mind is a devil’s workshop.
If it doesn’t become a devil’s workshop, it certainly becomes a forgetting workshop.
When the brain is idle, it starts overthinking. When it overthinks, it starts worrying. And when it worries, memory problems increase.
So I decided long ago: I will not let my brain sit idle.
My Daily Routine
I wake up early every morning and get dressed as if I am going to the office—just like I did in my younger days. Discipline gives structure, and structure gives confidence.
I have my breakfast at a fixed time—9 a.m. This is because I watch Zee Business for stock market updates. Then I place a small intraday trade. No carryover. No big risks. My aim is simple: a loss of ₹100 or a profit of ₹100.
This may sound funny, but this keeps my brain active. I calculate, analyze, think, and decide—and that mental engagement is priceless.
After that, I read my newspaper—The Times of India. Reading keeps the mind alert. It introduces new words, new ideas, and new information.
Whenever I get some free time, I solve the Sudoku published daily. If I miss it one day, I solve two the next day. No excuses.
Movement Is Medicine
I also go for a slow walk around the periphery of my society—just two rounds. That is enough for me, as I do have a few health issues, which I will talk about another time.
Walking is not only for the body. It is also for the brain. It improves blood flow, sharpens thinking, and clears mental fog.
Rest, But Don’t Over-Rest
By the time all this is done, it is almost lunchtime. After lunch, I rest on my chair. I do not lie down.
Why? Because if I lie down, I may fall asleep—and then I won’t sleep at night. That becomes another problem altogether.
At night, when I cannot sleep, I often get ideas for my blog. Sometimes, after lunch, if I am in the mood, I write an outline—just like I am doing right now.
Writing itself is a powerful brain exercise.
About Forgetting Names and Words
Yes, I forget words sometimes. I forget names sometimes. I forgot “first-person narration” today.
Sometimes I meet a friend and cannot recall his name. I don’t hide it. I ask him directly. He understands. He knows I am old. He knows this happens.
There is no shame in forgetting.
The shame is in pretending that we don’t forget.
Independence Matters to Me
I live independently—and I love it.
My children live in the same town, within 3–4 km. I am not alone. But I am not dependent either. That balance is very important for self-respect.
My diet is simple: dal, roti, rice, and vegetables. I am very choosy—like Warren Buffett! I am a vegetarian but I eat eggs. I enjoy nuts with my evening drink—45 ml only, not a drop more—or sometimes a 330 ml beer.
Moderation is key.
My Message to Fellow Seniors
If you adopt a routine like this—customized to your own taste—I can assure you that you will be able to live comfortably with memory issues and slower thinking without treating them as a disease.
But let me be very clear:
If your memory loss is sudden, severe, or disturbing your daily life, consulting a specialist is wise. Ruling out dementia is not a bad idea.
I am not preaching.
I am only sharing what I do.
And it works for me.
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