Getting old seems to get the blame for lots of problems: fading eyesight, loss of hearing, aching muscles, shortness of breath, and a multitude of others. Yes, we do slow down as we age, but other issues may be causing some of the problems you notice. Don't let your doctor brush them off with a nod and a handshake.
When you are satisfied that your bodily ailments are addressed, it may be time to pay attention to your mental state. I find that memory seems to be getting unreliable. That doesn't mean I am senile; it doesn't predict Alzheimer's disease, but it does indicate that I need to keep my mind active and able to take in new material. It wouldn't hurt to rehearse old stuff, either.
If you ever studied a foreign language this is a good time to review your verb conjugations and noun declinations. It is also a good idea to take up something you haven't done before. If you never cared for politics, learn the names of the candidates for president. Match their names with the state they come from. Learn the names of their wives too. It might be easier to extend your knowledge of something you are familiar with. If you play golf, learn the names of the guys on the tour or the winners at Augusta.
If you are trying to keep your facts straight, use newspaper archives to help with dates and events from you past. Your children and grandchildren will respect your memory if the facts match. If you are writing your memoirs, refer to the newspaper archives, too, and see if you can find a journal or old letters that give dates and names. These activities are helpful to oreint yourself. It is easy to remember things better or worse than they actually were.
I find that remembering old times and events gives me a warm feeling of love and acceptance. I enjoy the blessing and love of friends and family that are away or gone. It is even better if I can report and analyze them for people who weren't there.
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