Revealed: The simple memory trick that will stop you from ever forgetting your keys or umbrella again

• The key, scientists have found, is to imagine an action between two objects 
• Then you must think of a potential consequence as a result of not having it
• They tested the tactic in older people, who boosted their memory in tests

The next time it is raining outside and you need to remember your umbrella, imagine the tip being stuck in the lock of the front door, preventing you from opening it.

It may seem an unnecessarily complicated way to keep dry in bad weather, but this technique has been shown to work dramatically for people who are forgetful.

The strategy means if you often lose your keys, it might be helpful to imagine them badly scratching the kitchen table you have left them on.

The key, scientists have found, is to imagine an action between two objects, such as the umbrella lodged in the door lock, and a potential consequence, such as being unable to unlock the door.

They tested the tactic in 80 people aged 61 to 88, who boosted their performance significantly in memory tests. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4782246/Easy-memory-trick-stops-forgetting-umbrella.html

Could laughter be the best way of improving memory? Older people had better short-term recall after watching comedy

• The stress hormone has a negative impact on memory, researchers found
• When a person laughs, they have lower levels of cortisol in their bodies

From tying knots in handkerchiefs to writing on our hands, we'll try anything to avoid forgetting something important. But a study has found that laughter could be the best way of improving memory.

U.S. researchers say older people are more likely to remember something if they have been laughing. This is because laughter reduces stress levels - and stress can have a negative effect on memory, ABC News reports.

Scientists at Loma Linda University, in California, asked 20 healthy adults to watch an amusing video for 20 minutes.

At the same time, another group were asked to sit calmly without watching a film. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2609427/Could-laughter-best-way-improving-memory-Older-people-better-short-term-recall-watching-comedy.html