Memory will fade with age. The average person forgets four facts, items or events every day, according to a 2013 study commissioned by "Post-It" notes maker, 3M. The 2,000 adult participants forgot as many as 1,460 things each year, including their phone, keys and wallet.
"Our days are so jam packed full of tasks whether at work or at home, it's no surprise people find it hard to keep track of everything,"
a 3M spokesman said in September 2013. "With much longer working hours, financial concerns and just busier lifestyles, even those with the best memory can stumble when it comes to remembering even the most simple of things during a hectic day."
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Here are 10 of most common things people forget, in no particular order. Of course, there are many more:
1. Essentials. Since people with smartphones typically have them glued in their hands, people are more likely to forget where they left their wallet or keys. Hopefully, they have an app on their phone designed to locate the keys. Still, phones, keys and wallet placement remain the most forgotten locations.
2. Why you went into a room. What was that you needed? Don't worry, you'll remember the second you give up and sit back down in the other room.
3. Where you parked. It's generally a good idea to jot down or store somewhere the lot marker for future reference. Otherwise, it can lead to an increasingly frustrating — and sometimes dangerous — stroll down city blocks or poorly lit parking garages.
4. To defrost meat. How about a pizza instead? If only you could remember the phone number.
5. Names. Remembering the name of your boss' spouse is one thing, but their kids? Careful, or your head might explode.
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6. Phone numbers. A large part of the reason is because they're stored in phones, along with addresses, and therefore not needed. Plus, consumers can typically access them with voice commands like. But the convenience comes at a price. If you're stranded without your phone, you may grow frustrated while you remember the digits of a friend who can help.
7. Things you intended to buy at a grocery store. Milk and eggs are easy, but it's just as easy to forget the needed ingredients that sent you to the store in the first place. The realization of a semi-wasted trip usually sinks while stopped at a traffic light.
8. Paying bills. Scheduling recurring payments online of set amounts, such as the monthly phone or cable expenses helps, but there's always the risk of a payment or two slipping through the cracks. It's typically good to take a few minutes at the end of each month to avoid an annoying late charge.
9. Feeding plants/fish. Plants and fish tend to be low-maintenance, so much so that it's easy to forget to sprinkle some food and water every morning. Forgetting once isn't too big of a deal, but that can easily become a week, and that will create problems.
10. Birthdays and anniversaries. Phone reminders are helpful, but they only remember what they're told. A bouquet of flowers, tin of chocolates and a dinner reservation may save the day, but the best results come from acknowledging the special date as the first thing in the morning.
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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