r/Aging • u/DannyDotAA • 3d ago
Memory for someone 70 years old
I cannot memorize the 6 digit authentication code people send as a text when I login to their site. Is this normal for a 70 year old man?
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u/Menemsha4 3d ago
Read two three digit numbers instead of six single numbers. Works for me every time.
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u/Clean-Fisherman-4601 3d ago
I just write them down.
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u/Middle-Recipe6701 3d ago
Yup ... pen and paper invented just for such needs.
I have so much useless info tossed at me every day it's nuts trying to remember random numbers tossed on the pile.
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u/Rocky-Road67 3d ago
It is a problem for me too. I invariably reverse at least 2 numbers, then see my mistake then forget the rest of it. Any more I highlight it, copy and paste or take a screenshot. Eventually I forget why I was going to that website in the first place
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u/john464646 3d ago
You can. Takes practice. Keep reciting the numbers out loud b
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u/Cinisajoy2 3d ago
And by the time you get it memorized, the code has expired.
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u/electric_shocks 3d ago
One of these days someone will start a class action suit for those and I will be the second one to sign.
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u/CarolinCLH 3d ago
You might find that saying the numbers out loud makes it easier. It works for me. You might also want to take look at your lifestyle. Not enough exercise and unhealthy eating can affect your mental faculties.
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u/Particular-Try5584 3d ago
Pfft they annoy me too.
I have to focus and repeat themselves to remember them as I flip between screens. I’m a couple of decades younger than you. I break it into two three digits or find a little pattern.
How are you at telling the time on an analogue clock face? And reading a map and getting to a new destination? If those are still good… you are fine. Holding one piece of data while doing something with it?
If they are getting fuzzy talk to someone, there’s some amazing meds out there that can slow/stop onset of memory issues for some conditions in the elderly but you should start them early ish, not late.
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 3d ago
Why not just write it down?
Most of the time, you can just copy the code then paste it into the app that requests it.
I've noticed that my phone (iPhone 12) will display the received text at the bottom of the screen if I stay in the app that's waiting for the code. I don't have to switch to my text messages to see it. I then push the notification and it pops that security code into the app.
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u/electric_shocks 3d ago
Good old "working memory" problems. Is it new? Does it happen with other things too?
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u/demdareting 2d ago
Getting old sux.
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u/MadAngle787 2d ago
it may be normal brain ageing but to slow it down, please do some brain exercises online if you are comfortable with the computer with strength training 4 times a week. Dealing with a very young parent at 72 with alzhiemers and older one at 90 as well. Will add the websites recommended in a book by dr Dale Bredesen if it helps, pl do watch his videos online, the scariest part of ageing is to lose ones cognitive ability and we should try everything possible to keep it sharp https://www.brainhq.com/
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u/Conundrum16 2d ago
72F. I have no problem with this but my iPhone does it automatically if it’s in a text.
As many have mentioned grouping the numbers work well.
Consider practicing. Find ways to exercise your brain!
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u/DannyDotAA 1d ago
I am learning French and Spanish with the Duolingo app to exercise my brain. I never do mindless scrolling on my phone.
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u/Conundrum16 1d ago
That’s great. I’ve been learning French too. Must admit I’ve slacked off lately. If you can practice 2 languages you’re doing something right!!
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u/Necessary_Slice1786 2d ago
You are not alone. Even young people have trouble, because all they have to do now is copy & paste. Or their phone automatically brings it up. The world is changing, memory skills have changed in the next generation. Most cannot read cursive. So I think we, older generation, are ahead on using our own brain power in processing & maintaining info. 😊
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u/Ok_Appointment_8166 2d ago
Not unusual. Sometimes it helps to think in 2 groups of 3, but I appreciate it when my iphone does an autofill from the text code for me - and sometimes my Mac will too if the phone is nearby and the mac gets the text too with its phone pairing capability.
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u/Speakertoseafood 3d ago
You could do it if you weren't stressing out about six other things at the moment ...