Simple Ways to Support Memory While Making Decisions

If you’ve ever walked into a room and forgotten why you went in, struggled to recall a name, or had a word right on the tip of your tongue, you’re not alone. Occasional memory lapses are a normal part of aging, and they don’t mean you’ve lost your ability to think clearly or make good decisions.

But when important choices arise—about health, finances, or even how to spend your time—it’s easy to feel unsure. What if I forget something important? What if I overlook a better option? These worries can lead to hesitation, second-guessing, or even avoiding decisions altogether.

The good news? You don’t need a perfect memory to make great choices. The key is to work with your brain rather than against it, using strategies that support recall, simplify decisions, and boost confidence.

Our brains don’t store information like a filing cabinet. Instead, they work more like a busy library, constantly organizing, retrieving, and sometimes misplacing bits of information. When we try to make a decision, we rely on different types of memory:

• Short-term memory holds details we need in the moment (like why we walked into that room).
• Long-term memory stores past experiences that shape our choices (like lessons from previous financial decisions).
• Working memory helps us juggle multiple pieces of information while deciding (like weighing pros and cons).

As we age, retrieving information can take longer, but that doesn’t mean we’re losing intelligence or decision-making ability. It just means we need to set up our thinking process in a way that makes it easier to access what we need.

Offload the mental load

You don’t have to keep everything in your head. One of the most powerful ways to support your memory during decision-making is to externalize your thoughts. Write things down, use a planner, or set reminders on your phone. The less effort you have to put into remembering every little detail, the clearer your thinking becomes.

For example, when making a decision about something as important as health care or retirement investments, it can be helpful to create a list of factors that matter to you. Writing down your priorities, along with pros and cons of different options, reduces the cognitive load on your memory and allows you to focus on making a choice rather than trying to recall all the information.

It might feel simple, but the act of jotting things down clears your mental space and gives you more freedom to think clearly and creatively.

2. Create routines and systems

Another way to make decision-making easier is to create routines. When certain tasks or decisions become part of a regular routine, your brain doesn't have to work as hard to process them. This is especially helpful when dealing with smaller, day-to-day decisions.

For example, if you have a weekly grocery shopping list or a set meal plan, that takes the burden off deciding what to eat each day. The same goes for organizing your financials: if you have a regular time to review your accounts, pay bills, or make investment decisions, the mental strain lessens over time.

Creating a system or schedule for routine decisions helps your brain conserve energy for the big choices that really require your attention and mental resources.

3. Break down complex decisions

Big decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when they involve a lot of moving pieces—whether it’s deciding on a new place to live, choosing between different retirement plans, or figuring out how to structure your healthcare options. When faced with such decisions, try breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps.

Instead of tackling everything at once, focus on one element at a time. For instance, when deciding on retirement housing, don’t try to consider all factors at once—start by thinking about whether you want to live independently or in a community setting. Then, narrow it down further: do you prefer a city or rural setting? Do you need specific healthcare facilities nearby?

This allows you to focus on one decision at a time without overwhelming your memory, and it helps you keep track of key points as you go.

4. Use memory aids and triggers

Another strategy is using tools that can help trigger your memory when needed. These could be visual reminders, like sticky notes, or more advanced tools like apps that help you track important dates or to-do lists. For instance, if you’re considering making a large purchase, like a new car or home renovation, it’s helpful to write down your budget limits and review your priorities before making the decision.

Also, try keeping a memory journal. This doesn’t have to be a full diary—just a simple notebook where you jot down important thoughts, questions, or plans can help keep you organized. Looking back at these notes can jog your memory and offer fresh perspectives.

Another helpful trigger is associating certain tasks with a specific time of day. For instance, if you regularly review your finances in the morning, the very act of getting your coffee or tea might trigger you to sit down and look over your budget.

Trusting Yourself to Make Great Decisions

Supporting your memory doesn’t mean relying solely on external aids—it’s about setting yourself up for success. By breaking things down, using systems, and trusting that your brain is still capable of making good choices, you can navigate retirement with confidence.

In the next post, we’ll explore mental models that can make your decision-making even sharper, like considering the long-term impact of your choices and weighing consequences. It’s all about practicing thoughtful, deliberate decision-making so you feel empowered as you embrace this next chapter of life.

For now, remember: your memory might not always be perfect, but your ability to make good decisions is still strong. With a little support and some helpful strategies, you’ve got everything you need to move forward with confidence.