Also addressing this year's Elder's Conference theme, "Aging Well: Tips and Tools for Healthy Aging From Head to Toe," was Kara Kaplan, mental health counselor with the Nation’s Behavioral Services.

Kara gave an overview of memory loss brought on by the natural aging process or disease.

“Forgetting names or where you left your keys or a word for a brief period are part of normal aging,” said Kara. “Changes are natural. As we get older, it takes longer to learn things, but you can still learn new things.”

This last example elicited a response from a gentleman in the audience who inquired whether or not a person can learn too much.

“You can never know too much,” responded Kara. “Why? Does someone call you a know-it-all?”

To which the gentleman replied sprightly, “My wife.”

Levity was never far from being evinced during the event.

But we must continue in a serious vein.

The opportunities to improve memory are plentiful, as Kara outlined. Examples included playing video and board games; partaking in group activities; learning a new skill such as a language; playing or singing music; taking vitamin B; getting enough sleep; exercising; eating dark chocolate (in moderation); drinking green tea; meditating; avoiding sodium; practicing yoga; and sharing your life with a pet.

The above may help staunch normal memory loss, but what are the signs of more serious memory decline? The list differs from the normal realm of memory loss and includes:

• forgetting how to do something you do frequently
• forgetting where you are
• forgetting how to get to a place that you’ve been frequently
• forgetting names of relatives or friends you see daily.

“If you are worried about memory loss, consult your doctor,” said Kara. “They will likely do a physical exam, as well as check your memory and problem-solving skills. Sometimes other tests are needed as well. Treatment will depend on what’s contributing to the memory loss.”