Memories Shield Us From Tough Times, Part 3

Studies have shown that reminiscing is good for your health. Remembering good old days have shown significant improvements in memory of pensioners and senior citizens who were subjects of a study that was carried out in the United Kingdom. The study concluded that six sessions of half-hour chats about the past, boosted recall by an average of 12 percent. Importantly, participants in the study, who were diagnosed with dementia and even those with late stages of the disease, also experienced 8 percent improvements with recall of past events.

Role of nostalgic songs

The group in the abovementioned study was also presented with two sets of lyrics to songs. They were divided into two groups. One group was presented with lyrics to a nostalgic song or ‘nostalgic lyrics’ composed around the adolescent and/or early adult life of the participants in the group; the other group was presented with the second set of lyrics, referred to as the ‘control’. The ‘control lyrics’ did not come from a nostalgic song. The two groups were later on asked to answer questions about the experience. Those who read the nostalgic lyrics reported a more positive outlook compared to those who read the control lyrics. Researchers also found out that people who listened to nostalgic songs reported higher levels of positivity or positive outlook in life.

Nostalgia leads to optimism

Nostalgia can help individuals cope with psychological problems and adversity. Remembering days gone by can raise self-esteem and heighten optimism. Dr. Tim Wildschut of the University of Southampton in England declares, “Memories of the past can help current feelings of self-worth and can contribute to a better outlook on the future.”

Positive memories may help improve depression

A research on experimental animals published in Nature Journal concluded that although animals with depression find it difficult to recall positive memories, stimulation of the brain for it to recall positive past memories could elevate their mood. How exactly positive stimulation can be implemented in humans is still complicated that some experts in the field even suggest invasive procedures like surgery. But for now it is well settled that thinking back to positive memories prior to depression may help in improving mood of patients with depression. Such recall of positive past memories can help in the treatment of depression.

(To be continued)