Memory is a complex and fascinating aspect of human cognition, and the way we remember events from different periods of our lives can vary for various reasons. There are several factors that may contribute to your ability to remember more from childhood and teen years compared to your 20s:
Encoding and Consolidation: Memories are formed through the process of encoding, where information is initially recorded, and then consolidation, where it becomes more stable and long-lasting. During childhood and adolescence, your brain is highly active and rapidly developing, making it more efficient at encoding and consolidating new experiences. As you age, the brain's plasticity decreases, which could result in less efficient memory formation for events in your 20s.
Novelty and Emotional Significance: Memories are often better retained if they are associated with strong emotions or are highly novel. Childhood and teenage years are periods of significant life changes and first-time experiences, which can create vivid and emotionally charged memories. During your 20s, life may become more routine, and experiences may not be as novel or emotionally impactful, leading to less memorable events.
Cognitive Changes: As you age, certain cognitive abilities, such as working memory and processing speed, may decline slightly. These changes could affect your ability to retain and recall new information effectively, making it harder to remember events from your 20s compared to earlier years.
Prioritization of Memories: Our brains tend to prioritize and store information that is most relevant and significant to our lives. Events from childhood and adolescence often hold greater importance because they shape our identities and formative experiences. In contrast, experiences in your 20s might not be as foundational, and therefore, they may not be retained as strongly in your long-term memory.
Memory Bias: Sometimes, our memories can be influenced by bias and selective recall. You might unconsciously focus on specific events or periods of your life due to personal preferences or other psychological factors, leading to a stronger recall of earlier memories.
Availability of Triggers: Memories can be triggered and reinforced by exposure to related stimuli or discussions. If you frequently revisit memories from your childhood and teenage years, they are more likely to stay accessible and vivid in your mind, while memories from your 20s may fade due to a lack of similar triggers.
Remember that memory is a dynamic and imperfect process. The brain continually sifts through and updates memories based on various factors, and it's natural for certain memories to be more prominent than others depending on the stage of life and the significance of the experiences.