Remember It Well

Reminiscing has many benefits: raising self-esteem and social connectedness; lowering heart rate and blood pressure; and much, much more.

But I wonder, do these benefits disappear when our fond or funny memories are met—by us or by others—with jabs about our age?

Recently I heard someone tell a story about receiving an important telegram many years ago, and the way she said “telegram” conveyed such pride and respect, her appreciably younger listeners simply sighed in response. No joke.

Maybe that’s the trick to positive nostalgia: Sharing our memories with dignity and esteem, and expecting the same in return.

Photo from Mississippi State University