Yogi: Why are old people more forgetful? Is it a slower brain or a disorderly mind?
Sayadaw: Not all old people are forgetful, but when it happens, it could be due to brain deterioration or delusion when we don’t train the mind to be aware and present.
If we want to be more present as we get older, we have to start training now.
If we make a habit of taking note of what we’re doing – like when we put a cup down, we make it a habit of noting that we have put it down and where and how we put it down.
When we recognize the physical action, we take notice of what the mind is like, what is happening in the mind when we’re doing it – the awareness at that time and the decision to put the cup down and what we were thinking of doing next?
If the mind has practiced a lot being aware and present, then it will stay like that.
Many people say that when they retire, they are going to relax and do nothing. That’s when they deteriorate very fast.
Meditation is the work of the mind; so long as we keep the mind working properly, the brain will have to keep up with the mind.