Aging brings with it a host of changes — physical and mental. One of the most common shifts people experience as they get older is a tendency to become more forgetful or absent-minded.

It might start small—misplacing your keys more often, forgetting a task halfway through, or even repeating a story to a friend without realizing it.

While these moments can be frustrating or even worrisome, they are a natural part of growing older.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the signs of becoming more absent-minded as we age.

1) Forgetfulness with everyday tasks

We all forget things from time to time – it’s just part and parcel of being human. But as we get older, you might notice that the frequency of these forgetful episodes increases.

People become more absent-minded as they age and it often starts with forgetting basic everyday tasks. This could be something as simple as forgetting to turn off the stove after cooking, or leaving the keys in the front door.

But it’s not just about forgetting. It’s also about how they react when they realize their mistake. Instead of being momentarily confused and then laughing it off, they might become frustrated or upset.

This isn’t about diagnosing a problem – it’s about recognizing a pattern of behavior.

And understanding that if you or someone you know is exhibiting this behavior, it might be a sign of becoming more absent-minded with age.

2) Misplacing items frequently

I’ve got a story for you. A couple of weeks ago, I spent half an hour searching for my glasses, only to find them sitting on top of my head. It was a moment of humor, but it also got me thinking.

As we age, misplacing items becomes a frequent occurrence. I’m not just talking about the occasional lost set of keys or misplaced remote control. I’m talking about an increase in the frequency of these incidents.

Like that time I found my favorite book in the refrigerator, or when I discovered my phone in the laundry basket. It’s these little things that we begin to notice more and more as we get older.

Misplacing items is a common behavior among people who become more absent-minded with age. It’s not something to be alarmed about, but rather a sign that our memory isn’t quite as sharp as it used to be.

3) Difficulty following directions

Have you ever been on a road trip and suddenly found yourself lost, even though you were sure you followed the directions to the letter?

People who become more absent-minded as they age often struggle with following directions. It’s not that they’re not paying attention – it’s just that the information doesn’t stick as well as it used to.

Interestingly, this isn’t limited to just physical directions. It can also apply to instructions for tasks or even recipes. Older adults are more likely to make errors when following complex instructions.

If you find that your once foolproof spaghetti Bolognese recipe is starting to taste a little off, or if you keep missing that left turn on your way home, it might be a sign of becoming more absent-minded.

4) Repeating stories or questions

Ever caught yourself telling the same story twice to the same person? Or repeating a question you just asked a few minutes ago? It’s a little embarrassing, isn’t it?

People becoming more absent-minded as they age often end up repeating stories or questions. It’s not that they’re doing it intentionally – they genuinely don’t remember that they’ve already shared that particular anecdote or asked that question.

This isn’t about being scatterbrained or not paying attention. It’s about a change in the way our memory operates as we get older.

If you or someone you know is showing this behavior, it might be a sign of increasing absent-mindedness.

It’s not something to worry about, but it’s definitely something to be aware of.

5) Struggling with familiar tasks

I love puzzles. Always have.

It’s been a passion of mine since I was a kid. But recently, I found myself sitting with a puzzle that just a few years ago would have been a breeze for me.

I struggled, not because it was particularly challenging, but because my mind seemed to be working slower.

People who become more absent-minded as they age often struggle with tasks that were once familiar and easy for them. It could be a favorite hobby, like my love for puzzles, or even something as basic as using a smartphone or making coffee in the morning.

This isn’t about losing skills or abilities, it’s about the mind taking longer to process information and perform tasks. It’s a subtle sign of becoming more absent-minded with age, and one that’s easy to overlook. But once you’re aware of it, you can take steps to manage it better.

6) Difficulty multitasking

Multitasking is hard, no matter your age. Our brains weren’t really designed to handle multiple tasks at once. But as we get older, our ability to juggle multiple tasks at the same time can decrease significantly.

People who become more absent-minded as they age often find that they struggle with multitasking. They might find it harder to cook dinner while talking on the phone, or to watch TV while folding laundry.

This isn’t a sign of incompetence or laziness. It’s a sign that the brain is prioritizing information differently.

And while it’s not something to worry about, it’s definitely something to be aware of. Especially if you’ve always prided yourself on your multitasking abilities!

7) Changes in mood or behavior

This is perhaps the most important sign to look out for. People becoming more absent-minded as they age often experience changes in their mood or behavior. They might become more irritable, or less patient. They might start avoiding social situations, or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.

These changes can be subtle, and they can be easy to dismiss as just a part of getting older. But they’re also a crucial sign of increasing absent-mindedness.

This isn’t about becoming a grumpy old person. It’s about recognizing a shift in behavior that might be tied to changes in cognitive function.

And understanding that it’s not something to be ashamed of or to hide, but rather something to acknowledge and manage.

It’s about understanding, not worrying

It can be difficult to watch people we love become more absent-minded with age. They may even start struggling with basic tasks. 

Here’s something to remember — understanding is always more useful than worrying. 

Being able to recognize the signs of mental aging can help you take the right steps moving forward — without becoming anxious or overwhelmed.