You know when a name or date is right at the tip of your tongue, but you just can't remember it? Here are a few strategies to help you store—and retrieve—new information.

• Say it aloud. The act of repeating a name or word will help you store it away for later. When you meet someone for the first time, say, "Great to meet you, Sue!" When someone gives you directions, repeat them back, step by step. And when you put your keys away, say out loud, "I put my keys on the hall table." After you have an important conversation—for example, with your doctor—on the ride home recite out loud what was said during the appointment.

• Make associations. Mentally connect an unfamiliar word with one you're better acquainted with. For example, if you meet someone named April, think of her as the month of April—trees in full spring bloom. That image will be easier to recall the next time you see her.

• Remind yourself. Write notes and leave them where you need them—for example, post a sticky note on your bathroom mirror to remind you to take your medicine each morning. You can also use the alarm on your cellphone, or have a friend call you.

• Break down tasks. If you know that you won't be able to remember an entire sequence of steps needed to complete a task, break down that task into smaller chunks and tackle one at a time. Breaking down large sections of text or numbers you need to memorize into smaller bits (memorizing the first three numbers of a phone number, then the next three, then the last four) also aids in recall.

Finally, don't underestimate the power of social interaction. Research finds that staying connected to friends and relatives provides mental stimulation, which translates into better memory.