There are many objects, places, and scenes around us, and we always remember them. They may be memorized naturally, but there are also things that must be memorized through study or work. However, the speed at which they can be memorized varies from person to person, and sometimes we forget what we have learned. How long do human memories last, and are there ways to improve them?
How long can human memory last?
According to Zauderer (2022), the human brain can store approximately 2.5 million gigabytes. However, the duration of memory is surprisingly short, with 50% of new information forgotten after one hour and 70% forgotten after 24 hours. Your memory is at its peak in your twenties and begins to deteriorate in your fifties and sixties.
People have both short-term and long-term memories. Short-term memory can hold up to seven pieces of information at once, but it only lasts about 20 seconds. Left-handed people have better memories than right-handed people. According to research, the human brain can store approximately 450 years of memory.
Is there a way to improve memory?
Memory can be improved. We can improve our memory by reviewing our lives. Here’s how it can be done, according to Harvard Medical School (2023):
- Fix bad habits
Quit smoking, do not drink too much alcohol, reduce the intake of luxury goods, and so on.
- Eat memory-enhancing foods
Leafy greens, nuts, berries, tea, coffee, and fatty fish can improve memory. Eating these will keep you healthy by strengthening your brain and body.
- Exercise moderately
Exercise encourages brain cell growth and the production of neurotransmitters, which improves memory. A combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercise is most effective.
- Sleep well
When humans are sleepy, their cognitive and memory abilities decline. Adequate sleep of 7-9 hours daily improves our memory.
- Reduce stress
Maintaining good relationships with others and relaxing our mind can slow down the aging of our brain.
What are the benefits of having a good memory?
If people can improve their memory, they can lead an efficient life. In particular, students often benefit from having a good memory. Here’s how, according to ABS-CBN News (2012):
- Having a good memory allows students to grasp things and manage time.
- It allows them to get good grades on exams.
- It allows students to understand topics more easily and makes them less anxious.
- It improves their sleep quality.
- It improves their social interaction.
Conclusion
The human brain can store far more information, but most of it is forgotten over time. If our memory improves, we will be able to understand more things, making us more useful in society than we are now, and our lives will be more fulfilling. We will be able to expand our future possibilities by repeating training every day and working to improve our memory.
References
Zauderer, S. (2022). Memory Capacity Of Human Brain: 29 Human Memory Statistics & Facts. [online] www.crossrivertherapy.com. Available at:
<https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/memory-capacity-of-human-brain> [Accessed 15 January 2023].
Harvard medical school (2023). Harvard Health. [online] www.health.harvard.edu. Available at: <https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/memory#:~:text=Proven%20ways%20to%20protect%20memory> [Accessed 14 January 2023].
ABS-CBN News (2012). Higher grades and other benefits of a good memory. [online] ABS-CBN News. Available at: <https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/05/10/12/higher-grades-and-other-benefits-good-memory#:~:text=better%20grades%20in%20tests%20and >[Accessed 15 January 2023].
