Sometimes, at lunch, with other retired professors, everyone at the table is gazing up at the ceiling. I think that may be the classic pose of an older person trying to recall a name. He has "always" known that damned name, you know, that guy who wrote that book. It is true that if a person waits, the name may come to him. But, many Americans are somewhat impatient and don't want to wait.
If a person has a blog and/or a website, and if he has contributed to them regularly and if (that's already three "ifs") either or both of them are searchable (look for a simple image of a handheld magnifying glass), you may be able to locate the name or whatever it is you are trying to recall. In some word processors, using Windows and Microsoft, striking Control-F for "find" will open a search window.
There are various household records that may help, such as a checkbook. Husbands, wives, older children, neighbors, relatives, friends may help locate information, dates, prices, etc.
I have written for my blog most days since 2009. Writing of any sort can help even elderly brains. It also can help to make notes in a regular place, where they can be found. As brains age, it helps to make a note in a place where you can find the note when you need refreshing.
