Normal aging can play tricks on your brain. You may have a harder time focusing or absorbing new information. This is normal, but it can make it more difficult to learn and retain new things. But you don’t necessarily have to resign yourself to an “it is what it is” position. By employing a few strategies, you may be able to boost attention and information retention. The first is to look and listen closely when a person is speaking to you. Making eye contact will help, as will diverting your attention from a book, television set, or activity you’re engaged with. If you missed what they said, ask them to repeat it or speak more slowly. Next, attempt to paraphrase what was just said to make sure you understand; doing this can also help to reinforce the information in your memory. So let’s say your daughter asks if you want …