Have you started finding yourself crossing a room and forgetting where you were going or why, misplacing your keys or forgetting important dates? As we age, we tend to lose the ability to learn new things quickly and our thought processes slow down.

But research by the Harvard Medical School claims DIY strategies can sharpen our minds and boost our ability to recall things as we get older. Try these tips:

Organisation is key. Use shopping lists, file folders, address books and calendars to keep routine information accessible. Have a designated place for items in frequent use - keys and wallet - to economise brain use.

Break it down. It's easier to recall smaller chunks of information, so break down long lists, such as phone numbers, passwords or names of a group of people you've just met.

When learning something new, switch on all of your senses, because the more elements of your brain that are activated, the more likely you are to retain the memory. Scent is renowned for its ability to conjure up and trigger memories.

Repeating a phrase or reading it aloud, drawing a picture or writing down what you've just learnt helps widen the brain regions involved in learning. This makes it easier to understand and remember the new subject or a new name.

Test and challenge yourself with activities that require you to concentrate and work your memory muscles. This could be solving puzzles, discussing books, learning new recipes or taking up hobbies that require you to put into action unfamiliar skills.

Get a good night's sleep because this not only boosts your overall health but is essential for memory consolidation. Try to maintain a sleep routine - don't nap during the day or exercise too close to bedtime.