Memory Essay, Research Paper
How to imrove Memory
Memory is defined as the accuracy and ease with which
a person can retain and recall past experiences
(Webster?s Dictionary, pg. 611). It is often thought
of as a capacity, such as a cup, that could be full or
empty. A more common comparison is one to a computer.
Some minds, like computers, can have more ?software?,
being able to save and recall more experiences,
information, and memories than others can. And like a
computer, minds can be upgraded. This is not done with
a simple installation of a chip, but by following a
number of small procedures that will enhance and
sharpen a memory. As people age, many people believe
that the loss of memory is inevitable. Once people go
over a certain age, they begin to lose their memory
and will be thought of as old and forgetful. People
who forget things often complain about a bad memory,
but in most of these cases these people never took the
time to learn whatever they thought they could
remember. Most scientists believe there is no such
thing as a good or bad memory, only good and bad
learners. Depending on the amount of attention a
person gives something depends on how well a person
will remember that fact or event (Reich, pg. 396).
Beginning at the age of 50, people of similar ages
begin to differ more and more from one another in
their mental performance. Some memories drop
noticeably, but many stay the same or even rise. Most
investigators agree that no mental decline occurs
before the age of 65 or 70 that affects a person?s
ability to function in the real world (Schrof, pg.
89). In many societies still today, such as in China,
elders are considered the wisest and are very well
respected. There are two types of memories, long and
short term. Anything remembered under 30 seconds is
considered short-term memory, and anything after that
is considered long-term memory (Kasschau, pp. 57-58).
Endell Tulving has broken it down even further into
?episodic? and ?semantic? memories. Episodic memory is
remembering specific events or names. Semantic memory
refers to general knowledge, like speaking a language
or doing math problems (Corsini, pg. 355). Many things
can be done to increase and keep a person?s memory
sharp. Seeking variety provides a broad range of
experiences that provide reservoirs of knowledge to
search through in old age. A willingness to try new
things and improvise gives that mind more experience.
People who are at peace and find life fulfilling have
a memory that is stronger and lasts longer than those
who are often angry or depressed do. Strengthening a
memory can start during childhood. Eating right as a
baby leads to strong, healthy brains, while
nutritional deficits can permanently impair mental
functions. Getting lots of stimulation and staying in
school are two ways to make your memory last longer.
Enriched environments cause brain cells to grow as
much as 25 percent more than those in bland
environments (Schrof, pg. 91). When a person reaches
young adulthood, making many friends can keep a person
sharp. People with many friends often score higher of
cognitive tests and are able to adapt better to new
situations. Finding a mentor and marrying someone who
is smarter than you help also, leading you to strive
to match your mate?s abilities (Schrof, pg. 91). As a
person enters middle age, putting away money for trips
can be beneficial. People with extra money can treat
themselves to mind nourishing experiences like travel
and cultural events. Achieve major life goals now to
avoid burnout. People who head into retir
fulfilled will feel at peace with their
accomplishments (Schrof, pg. 91). When a person enters
the late sixties, they should search for things that
continue to challenge them and intrigue the mind. In
other words, do not get bored. Doing things that make
you feel like you are doing something constructive
also helps. Those who do not feel like they have no
purpose and tend to burn out. Taking a daily half-hour
walk can increase your scores on intelligence tests.
Too much exercise at too much of an intense pace
hinders the memory (Schrof, pg. 91). Neurologists
today are finding that later in life the brain stops
producing a hormone involved in the memory process,
acetylcholine. So far results have shown that drugs
can act as the hormone to recharge the memory. Another
method of remembering more is called chunking.
Short-term memory is limited in its duration as well
as in its capacity. Your short-term memory can store
and retrieve about seven unrelated items. After you
already have your immediate memory filled, attempting
to store more will cause confusion. In order to store
more information and avoid confusion, grouping items
into ?chunks? will allow for a person to remember
more. Using the initials of a string of words can
minimize three or four unrelated items into one. Items
that are often minimized are items such as phone
numbers and names of favorite radio stations
(Kasschau, pp. 57-58). There are many elderly people
who are or have been considered great people with
great minds. The late Mother Teresa was considered by
all to have a great mind, and she was in her late
eighties. Nelson Mandela is also over eighty and is
admired by many because of his experiences and mind.
Grandma Moses has to be one of the more popular of old
great minds, painting and remembering many of her
experiences past her 100th birthday. It seems everyday
more theories come out about how memory can be
improved and kept sharp. Most are simple everyday
steps that the majority of people never think about,
some are more complicated than average person will
understand. Even today researchers are no where near
completely understanding memory. With all the
continuing study of the memory going on, it is safe to
say that much more advice will come out in the future
about how to strengthen memory. With the continuing
knowledge about memory still coming out, no one knows
how much humans will be able to expand the strength of
the average memory. With so little of the brain being
used at this point in age, maybe in the future more of
the brain will be available for use. This would no
doubt lead to the expansion of memory. One final
comparison that the memory can be made to is a car.
Lots of cars break down, but with the right
maintenance and tune-ups many never do. BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Corsini, Raymond. ?Memory.? Encyclopedia of
Psychology. Vol. 2 2. Kasschau, Richard A. Glencoe/
McGraw-Hill. Understanding Psychology. Columbus, OH:
Glencoe/ McGraw ?Hill, 1995. 3. Reich, James R. ?The
Eyewitness.? Skeptical Inquirer (Summer 1993):
394-399. Rpt. in Corrections, Vol. 5: Social Issues
Resources Series, Inc., 1993. Art. 13. 4. Schrof,
Joannie M. ?Brain Power.? U.S. News and World Report
(November 28, 1994): 88-92. Rpt. in Aging, Vol. 4:
Social Issues Resources Series, Inc., 1994. Art. 79.
5. Webster?s Dictionary including Thesaurus. Chicago,
Illinois: J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, 1992.__________________________________________________
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