Is it all over when you hit 26?

Most people have enjoyed the best memories of their life by the age of 25, according to new research.A survey of retired people found the life changing highlights etched on their brains happened before they reached age of 25.It is the first study of its kind to use a ‘naturalistic approach’ by collecting free flowing stories in which participants were asked to narrate their own biographies in just 30 minutes.A week later they divided these into self defined 'chapters' which revealed a dramatic ‘reminiscence bump’ between 17 and 24-years-old  - when many people defined these parts beginning and ending.This phenomenon is a period of time from 15 to 30 when many memories which can be positive, negative, expected and unexpected are recalled.Many of these transitions, such as marriage and having children, occurred early in life, and the 34 older adults who were 59 to 92 overwhelmingly highlighted these in their memories.Psychologist Kristina Steiner, of the University of New Hampshire in the US, said: 'When people look back over their lives and recount their most important memories, most divide their life stories into chapters defined by important moments that are universal for many: a physical move, attending college, a first job, marriage, military experience, and having children.'In the study, published in the journal Memory, all the participants were white, and three in four of them had earned at least an undergraduate degree.Ms Steiner, a doctoral student, said: 'Many studies have consistently found when adults are asked to think about their lives and report memories, remembered events occurring between the ages of 15 to 30 are over represented.'I wanted to know why this may be. Why do not adults report more memories from the ages of 30 to 70? What is it about the ages of 15 to 30 that make them so much more memorable?'She added: 'Our life narratives are our identity. 'By looking at life narratives, researchers can predict levels of well being and psychological adjustment in adults.'Clinical therapists can use life narrative therapy to help people work through issues and problems in their lives by helping them see patterns and themes.'(dailymail.co.uk)ANN.Az