Getting forgetful? Read on....

Headline in Dots, Sunday Star (14 Jan 2012) screamed: Mental decline sets in at 45 not 60, says study. So, little wonder that you now begin to worry about your memory, or more precisely, the loss of it. Here’s news for you: Another research report published in the Daily Mail of UK – I read about it in the Sin Chew Daily -- has identified different degrees of forgetfulness:

Normal or slight forgetfulness

1.     Need a few minutes to remember where you have parked your car

2.     Momentarily forget the name of somebody or something

3.     Forget to return a phone call (or reply to an e-mail or sms)

4.     Can’t find something which you have just put away

5.     Forget something trivial that a friend told you 2 days ago

Moderate forgetfulness

1.     Forget the name of someone close to you

2.     Misplace things, or forget to remove the keys after unlocking a door

3.     Do not recognize faces

4.     Repeat questions you have just asked

5.     Change in personality

Serious forgetfulness

1.     Pour yourself a cup of tea, not realizing that you already have one

2.     Forget your grandchild’s name, but memory of your own childhood remains vivid 

3.     Don’t know how to do household chores, such as washing dishes

4.     Confused about relationships of family members

5.     Problems making  simple judgment, e.g. put on thick clothing on a hot day

6.     Don’t recognize family members  

So, don’t worry if your memory lapses are confined to those listed under normal or slight forgetfulness! Be happy……J

Planning for retirement? Read on....

If you are the proactive type like moi, you are probably planning for your retirement now. Here’s something I read in Sin Chew Daily last Sunday that may be helpful in decision-making: Malaysia is ranked No. 1 in Asia, and No. 4 in the whole world in the Retirement Index 2012 published by International Living Magazine, USA! If this index is indeed a reliable measure, I will have to rethink about retiring in China…L

Admittedly, we have our many and various gripes, we are unhappy with the present government etc., but by and large, Malaysia is a great place to live in, and retire to. For those obsessed with ranking, No. 4 in the world must be pretty good, though not as good as world No.1 in badminton men’s single player, and  No. 1 in squash ladies single player! (But it’s certainly a whole lot better than our universities' ranking!) Of course, these two games may not be as popular or glamorous like football, tennis or golf, but mind you, they are very popular in many parts of the world. Enough of my digression and rambling a la Malaysia Boleh….please read the full story at http://internationalliving.com/2011/12/the-worlds-top-retirement-havens-in-2012 and click on http://internationalliving.com/2011/12/the-scores-and-how-our-2012-retirement-index-works

to find out how the scores and index are worked out.... happy reading! J