FREE ESSAY ON HOW TO IMROVE MEMORY

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
retirement 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.