Did I take my pills this morning? A simple way to know for sure

Everyone forgets whether they locked the door now and then. With age it can happen a bit more often, especially for things you've done thousands of times. Familiar tasks are the ones the mind pays the least attention to.

A note on the fridge works for some people. Others prefer something on the phone they already carry. One Loop is an iPhone app with ready-made Loops for common checks, and nothing to sign up for.

What gets in the way

• Familiar tasks are easy to forget

  Locking a door you've locked for thirty years takes almost no attention. That's why the memory of doing it fades so fast.

• Pills that look the same every day

  Taking the same tablets each morning makes the days run together. It can be hard to tell whether you're remembering today or yesterday.

• Apps that ask too much

  Many apps want an account, a password and a dozen settings before they do anything. That's enough to put most people off.

How One Loop helps

• Ready-made Loops

  Door, Stove, Medication, Lock Up, Iron, Faucet and more are already there. Pick the ones you want and you're set.

• Say it instead of typing

  In Voice mode, you say "took my morning pills" out loud. One Loop saves the recording and the words, so you can hear it again later.

• One gentle reminder

  Set a daily reminder for your pills at a time you choose. It sends one notification and doesn't keep buzzing.

• No account or password

  Nothing to sign into. Your loops, photos and recordings stay on your phone.

Loops to start with

• 
  Morning pills Voice

  Saying it aloud helps you remember, and you can play it back if you're unsure.

• 
  Front door Simple tap

  One tap after you lock up at night.

• 
  Stove off Camera

  A photo of the knobs is clear even if your eyesight isn't perfect from across the room.

• 
  Iron unplugged Camera

  Not every iron switches itself off. A picture of the plug settles it.

• 
  Reading glasses Simple tap

  Handy for trips, as a one-time Loop that clears itself the next day.