Memory, Expanding Your Mind
Memory, Expanding Your MindHow to Improve Memory
Memory is defined as the accuracy and ease with which a person can retain and recall past experiences (Webster's Dictionary 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. By staying active, avoiding boredom, being constructive, eating right, and training our minds, we as humans will be able to enhance our 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 to something depends on how well a person will remember that fact or event. Beginning at the age of 50, people of similar ages begin to differentiate 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 89). In many societies today, such as in China, elders are considered the wisest amongst their people, and are very well respected. 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.
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. 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 a lot mental 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 91). When a person reaches young adulthood, making many friends can keep a person sharp. People with many friends often score higher on cognitive tests and are able to adapt better to new situations. Finding a mentor and marrying someone who is smarter than you can also help by leading you to strive to match your mate's abilities (Schrof 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. People who head into retirement fulfilled will feel at peace with their accomplishments (Schrof 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, to help improve your memory, stay active and avoid boredom.
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. On the other hand, too much exercise at too much of an intense pace hinders the memory (Schrof 91).
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.
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 studies of the memory, it is safe to say that many more discoveries will be made in the future. With these anticipated discoveries, no one knows how much humans will be able to expand the strength of human memory.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schrof, Joannie M. "Brain Power." U.S. News and World Report (November 28, 1994): 88-92.
Webster's Dictionary including Thesaurus. Chicago, J.G. Ferguson Publishing