Page 81 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

Teach Your Brain Agility • 65

remember them incorrectly, because of the quality of the
presentation. For example, if the person’s voice who is giv-
ing you an address to remember is pitched too low or they
mumble, you may not hear the address or you may interpret
it incorrectly. Likewise, struggling to read small print may
reduce your efficiency when storing material.
Whatever you need to do to reduce the drain on your en-
ergies and allow yourself to be more efficient in a learning
situation, do it. Here are some strategies others have found
successful:

• Try large-print books. If the book is not available in
large print, some folks have purchased a handheld
magnifying glass or bought reading glasses.
• Try books on tape. You can adjust the volume, and pro-
fessional speakers have very clear, precise speech.
• If the problem is an auditory one, ask people to speak
more clearly or to talk louder.
• Some people need to practice something by writing it
down. You might try this technique. To help, you might
begin to carry a small notebook in your pocket or purse.

We all feel that time is too precious to waste! We can be
efficient with our learning strategies. If we absorb the infor-
mation accurately the first time, we can save ourselves stress
and worry. Let’s find the fastest, most effective learning
methods for you. After all, if we don’t remember something
important, we will be the one who suffers.

Don’t spend time being frustrated by something that
can be corrected.

Circadian Rhythms
The time of day affects your ability to function. This is a re-
sult of your personal biological rhythms. Circadian rhythms
3
are cycles with a period of about one day. Biological
rhythms, especially the Circadian rhythm, are discussed in