Those in their 70's--what are some changes you've experienced

[cyclonefence]

8. I am 72

and my husband (also 72) were shocked by how suddenly and sharply our long-term memory declined and in some cases disappeared. Most of the time, I know the word I want. I can *see* what I'm thinking of, especially when a name is involved, but I can't recall the word or name. If I consciously stop trying to remember, after a while it will come to me.

I can't emphasize enough how sudden and dramatic this was. I'm a lazy do-nothing, but my husband works out hard, with a trainer, three times a week, and he's as bad as I am, so I'm not sure exercise helps.

Another thing, something exercise *would* help I guess, is that my upper body strength has gone all to hell. I have a lot of trouble with finger strength--pulling paper labels off and so on.

About a year ago I was enjoying getting old and said I felt like I was 50. No longer.

Watch out. It happens overnight.