This document provides information on memory strategies for aging adults. It begins with an introduction that reviews crystallized and fluid intelligence. It then reviews the three types of memory: sensory, short-term, and long-term. The document outlines several memory strategies including concentration, association, repetition, and relaxation. It provides examples and exercises for each strategy and concludes with references for further information.

1. Master of Memory –
Memory Strategies
Andrew B. Crocker
Extension Program Specialist –
Gerontology Health
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M System
2008
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Let’s Review. . .
Crystallized Intelligence
The accumulated knowledge on which a
person can draw
Vocabulary, Judgment, Wisdom, Experience
Fluid Intelligence
Speed and accuracy of information
processing
How quickly something can be learned &
recalled
Let’s Review. . .
Three basic types of memory:
Sensory Memory
Momentary sensations and impressions
Short-term Memory
Holds information for several seconds while we
decide what to do with it
Long-term Memory
Can Last FOREVER!

2. Let’s Review. . .
Auditory
Do you need to hear it?
Visual
Do you need to see it?
Kinesthetic
Do you need touch it?
Strategies to Remember
Concentration
Association
Repetition
Relaxation
Concentration
Attention
Priority
Effort

3. Concentration
Try adding the following numbers while
reciting the months of the year
8+5+9+3+7+2
You probably can’t do either well
because your concentration isn’t
focused
Association
Elaboration
Visualization
Organization
Links
Cues
Association
Turner Medical Clinic
Rose Campbell’s name
Your white-haired neighbor, Marsha

4. Repetition
Order
Lists
Notes
Rehearsal
Repetition
Finish the following lines
Amazing Grace, how sweet . . .
Over hill, over dale . . .
Plop, plop. Fizz, fizz . . .
Relaxation
Facilitates other strategies
Improves concentration
Helps facilitate
Association
Repetition
Consolidation

5. Relaxation
Close your eyes, take a deep breath
and release slowly
Sit down and count to 10 while clearing
your mind
Flex and release the muscles of your
feet and toes (repeat)
Make a fist and release (repeat)
Stretch Your Brain!
Strategy handouts
Identifying strategies
Association
Repetition
Organization
One Step
Visualization
Homework Time
Memory Diary
Strategy Handouts

6. References
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Macmillan College Publishing Company.
Butler, RN, MI Lewis & T Sunderland. (1998). Aging and Mental Health. 5th edition. New
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Chou, JY & CM Brown. (2002). “Receptivity to Peer Teaching and Peer Learning About the
Safe and Appropriate Use of Medications Among Older Adults.” Educational Gerontology 28.
pp 761-75.
Duyff, RL. (1998). The American Dietetic Association’s Complete Guide to Food and
Nutrition. Minneapolis: Chronimed Publishing.
Fogler, J & L Stern. (1994). Improving Your Memory. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University
Press.
Garfunkel, F & G Landau. (1981). A Memory Retention Course for the Aged. Washington,
D.C.: The National Council on the Aging.
Grayson, C, ed. (2004). “Brain Boosters: Eating for the Mind.”
http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/11/1671_50418.htm. Last Accessed: 19 July 2006.
Guyton, AC & JE Hall. (1996). Textbook of Medical Physiology. 9th edition. Philadelphia:
W.B. Saunders Company.
Ham, R & P Sloane. (1997). Primary Care Geriatrics: A Case Based Approach. 3rd edition. St.
Louis: Mosby.
References
Harnack, LJ, KL DeRosier & SA Rydell. (2003). “Results of a Population-Based Survey of
Adults’ Attitudes and Beliefs About Herbal Products.” J Am Pharm Assoc 43(5):596-601.
Kane, RL, JG Ouslander & IB Abrass. (1999). Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics. 4th edition.
McGraw-Hill Health Professions Division: New York.
McDougal, GJ. (1995). “Memory Self-Efficacy and Strategy Use in Successful Elders.”
Educational Gerontology. Taylor and Francis. 21 (4).
Matlin, MW. (1998). Cognition. 4th edition. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publishers.
Nader, K. “Re-recording Human Memories.” Nature 425. 09 October 2003. pp.571-2.
Robinson, SF. (June 2000). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2000. (Available from Texas
Cooperative Extension, 352 Kleburg Center, TAMU MS 2471, College Station, Texas, 77843).
Robinson, SF. (December 2001). “What’s Missing in your Pantry?: Nutrients Likely to be
Lacking in the Diets of Older Adults. (Available from Texas Cooperative Extension, 352
Kleburg Center, TAMU MS 2471, College Station, Texas, 77843).
Schardt, D. “Brain Boosters & Busters.” Nutrition Action Healthletter. Center for Science in
the Public Interest. October 2002.
Timiras, PS. (1994). Physiological Basis of Aging and Geriatrics. 2nd edition. Boca Raton:
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Wetzel, K & K Harmeyer. (1999). Mind Games: The Aging Brain and How to Keep it
Healthy. New York: Delmar.