UNH Study: Most Important Memories Made Before 25 Years Old

A University of New Hampshire study shows that by the time most people turn 25, they have made the most important memories of their lives.  Researchers spoke with 34 members of an active retirement community, ages 59 to 92. Participants were asked to tell their life stories in 30 minutes. One week later, participants divided their life stories into self-defined "chapters.''  
 
Researchers found a pronounced "reminiscence bump'' between ages 17 and 24, when many people defined chapters of their life story, beginning and ending. A reminiscence bump is a period of time between the ages of 15 and 30 when many memories, positive and negative-- expected and unexpected--are recalled.