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Did you fill in “stream”?
I bet this well known line of lyrics from a children's song was easy for you to remember. This is a good example of long term memory recall. When triggered it automatically taps into a section of the brain that differs from where short term memory information is stored. It's comparable to the computer's buffer memory and hard drive. However, unlike computers, people can reduce their circuitry decline by doing specific exercises.
Most people have difficulty with short term memory, recalling names, phone numbers, finishing a train of though during a conversation or remembering what they went into the garage to retrieve. Generally we put this type of behaviour down to aging, but according to the book Quantum Healing, an American study of healthy 70-year-olds out performed a group of 20-year-olds in a variety of long and short term memory tests.
I also found it interesting to learn that by the age of 2 we've acquired our allotment of brain neurons and by age 30, the number begins to decline. Neurons can not regenerate therefore each loss is permanent. By age 70 the potential for neuron loss could be significant unless, as evidenced by the older study participants, mind altering habits are practiced. Considering that short term memory loss is at greater risk, doing activities like crossword puzzles, number puzzles, card games or any type of brain teaser activity serves to essentially prime the pump and keeps information flowing.
Senior moments are worth remembering simply because they are yours. Nourishing the mind to keep it fit is equally as important as the body. My recommendation to retain a sharp mind would be to work on one crossword or one number focused puzzle (sudoku perhaps) everyday, to occasionally participate in friendly scrabble or card games, read, and always sing old songs loudly in the shower or bubble bath.
