It’s normal to experience a degree of memory loss as we get older, if we’re under stress or juggling responsibilities.

But don’t feel disheartened — there are so many simple ways to help jog your memory and keep you on track.

Check out our article, which will suggest some easy steps you can take to remember all those important dates, appointments and tasks. Soon you’ll be breezing through them with confidence!

Make the most of your smartphone

What’s the one item that’s never far from your hand? Your smartphone, of course! Here are just a few of the ways it can help remind you of important tasks:

• Use the alarm function to remind you about upcoming appointments.
• Record a voice note to remember facts and figures when you’re in a hurry.
• Take photos of lists, instructions or anything else you need to refer back to.
• Use your phone’s notes or list function to write reminders to yourself.
• Pin something you need to memorise to your lock screen so it’s highly visible.
• Scroll through your camera roll to remember special events or what you were doing on a given day.

More ways tech can help you

Your smartphone is not your only weapon when it comes to fighting memory loss. There are lots of other devices that can prompt you when you’re struggling to remember.

If you’re always forgetting where you put your keys, then invest in a key finder or tracker. You just need to attach the receiver part of the tracker on your keyring (or any other item that you have a habit of losing) and press the remote to find your item.

Use a pill dispenser with a compartment for every day and an alarm that sounds when you need to take your medication to keep track of your regime.

And if you struggle to remember routes, use a GPS route finder to help you find the way.

The power of association

Association is a powerful tool when it comes to remembering vital information.

Use a mnemonic, which is a memory technique to help you retain information and recall it with ease. You probably already know the mnemonic “Never eat soggy Weetabix” to remember the points of the compass. It’s simple to make up your own versions for any type of information you want to recall.

You could also use a method called loci, where you link information with a physical space that you’re familiar with, like your home. So, to remember a shopping list, visualise the first item outside the front door, then step into your house in your mind and go through each room in turn, mentally placing each item along the route.

Be super organised

If you’re the sort of person who’s always losing things, then set your home up so it’s super organised. This means that every item has its proper place, and once you’ve finished using it, you can place it back where it should be so you can find it straight away next time.

Take it one step further by labelling cupboards, drawers and files so it’s obvious where everything is kept.

Another simple way to keep organised is to write a good old-fashioned “to do” list using pen and paper. The very act of writing will help you remember your tasks.

Train your brain

Turn things around and make positive steps to improve your memory. Here’s how:

• Exercise every day. This increases the blood flow throughout your body, including your brain, keeping it healthy.
• Exercise your brain too by doing crossword or sudoku puzzles or learning a new skill, such as learning a language or a musical instrument.
• Socialise. Interacting with others is known to decrease the risk of depression and anxiety, which can affect your memory.
• Get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. This is important so that you can consolidate your memories for good recall.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and include foods rich in nutrients that improve brain function. These include fatty fish, dark chocolate, nuts and blueberries.

Wear a reminder wristband

Reminder wristbands can be worn to help jog your memory about just anything.

Choose a blank wristband and have it customised with any information that’s important to you, whether that’s facts that you’re learning for an exam, times to take your medication or important dates.

You can even use a series of memory wristbands, associating each colour with a certain task. This will help you remember and stimulate your brain at the same time.

And for maximum comfort, choose a silicone wristband that’s hypoallergenic, non-toxic and hard-wearing too!

Shop reminder wristbands Australia

If you’re struggling a little with your memory, know that there are lots of tricks and gadgets that can help you remember your day-to-day tasks.

You can also easily build actions to stimulate your memory into your daily routine.

One of the simplest ways of keeping on track with your tasks is to wear a reminder wristband, which can be customised with any information you wish.

Have a look at the Handband online collection, packed with different options for comfortable, customisable memory bands, to find the one for you.

With speedy delivery throughout Australia, your new memory aid is only a few clicks away!

Got concerns about a loved one’s memory?

If you have concerns about your or a loved one’s memory, then check out Dementia Australia’s guide to memory loss. And don’t hesitate to seek medical help if you feel memory loss is more than a normal feature of ageing.