Although memory lapses hit when people reach the age of 57 on average, many people complain they easily forgot things at a far younger age, found a survey of over 1,000 people in the UK.
Researchers found that failing to remember someone's name or failing to recall simple words like 'apple' plagues those in their 50s, the Daily Express reported.
Nearly two out of five admit to forgetting names of people they have known for years, a fifth forget keys or glasses and over a tenth are left perplexed trying to remember their PIN at the cashpoint.
The survey of over 1,000 people aged in their 50s by online memory training course 'Love To Learn' found that while most forgetfulness may be harmless, some have forgotten hospital appointments or even walked off leaving loved ones behind in shops.
One in 10 said they started to notice their memory going in their 40s and for six per cent it started declining in their 30s.
Simple activities such as reading, doing crosswords or puzzles, helping kids with homework or learning new skills may keep forgetfulness at bay.
"Memory is something you do, not something you own. The brain is a muscle and changes according to how you exercise it and what you practise. Everyone can train their memory, and can surprise themselves with how much they can improve it," former world memory champion Jonathan Hancock said.