When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, you will likely hear the song “Auld Lang Syne”.
According to my friend ‘AI’, “Auld Lang Syne” is a Scots phrase meaning “old long since,” or more idiomatically, “for old times’ sake,” or “times gone by,” a nostalgic reflection on cherished friendships and shared past experiences, famously penned by Robert Burns for New Year’s Eve to remember old acquaintances and shared joys.
Dictionary.com adds: The first lyrics, “Should auld acquaintance be forgot / And never brought to mind?” is a rhetorical question of whether you should forget about your old friends (which is not recommended). It goes on to talk about reminiscing “for auld lang syne” or “for fond memories of old times“.
Watching the magic of reminiscing
The benefits of reminiscing or recalling fond memories of old times is something Wayne and I just witnessed while on a recent trip to Florida to spend Christmas with Wayne’s folks (whom we call Pops and Mom).
Pops is 93, and his new bride, who are about to celebrate their 5th anniversary, have experienced a few health issues lately, so we want to spend as much time as we can with them. One evening, as we were relaxing in the living room and visiting, Pops began sharing stories with us from his younger days – places he lived, various jobs he had, and some of his favorite times crab fishing with his nephew in the Puget Sound. The subject of dogs came up, and he fondly recalled a few tales about his favorite dog, a border collie named Conley. He said Conley was the smartest dog he had ever known. Pops said that one year, when it was time to treat the sheep by running them through the ‘sheep dip’, he taught Conley to walk through the dip as well to take care of any tics. The next year when it was time to treat the sheep, he said Conley ran over and jumped into the treated water on his own.
While Pops was talking, he became very animated, almost energized as he related some of his favorite memories. Due to a couple of small strokes a few months ago, he had experienced some difficulty in speaking. Over time, his speech improved, but he still struggled a bit. While we listened to him reminisce that night, his voice became stronger the longer he talked.
Reminiscing benefits confirmed by studies
An article titled “The healing power of reminiscing” from the Baylor College of Medicine. It shares that taking a trip down memory lane can be a powerful tool that can lift the mood and provide a sense of purpose for older adults.
A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health confirmed that the benefits of reminiscing included Improved mental health, social connections, and a sense of self.
It is fun to share history with someone we love
My sister, Peggy, and I also love to reminisce! We bring up old memories every time we get together. Usually, one of us begins by bringing up an old recollection, which triggers another memory and another. It is fun to share history with someone we love. In a post, “Reminiscing Brings Joy to the Human Experience,” that I published three years ago, I also explored these benefits.
Reminiscing is great for everyone, even those with only a few memories remaining due to dementia. An article in Today’s Caregiver, titled “Linking the Past to the Present – The Benefits of Reminiscing” states that reminiscence is a free-flowing process of thinking or talking about one’s experiences in order to reflect on and recapture significant events of a lifetime. We all live in the present, yet we still carry our “past” selves with us throughout our lives. We are part of a rich history that needs to be shared and preserved.
Mama loved sharing childhood memories
My Mama was a great reminisce-er. She enjoyed sharing story after story about her childhood. Her favorite one was about when she was a young child, her father worked as a Depot agent for the Soo Line Railroad. Since the Depot agent was required to be available day and night, they lived in the upper story of the depot. She loved it! She would tell us about being upstairs, peering through the grate on the floor over the agent’s office, and watching her father interact with folks. Also, some railroad workers built a playhouse for her and her sister out of old railroad ties. She and Ann would play for hours in that little house.
When dementia began to creep in, Mama would still share her stories, but as the disease progressed, she would tell the same story over and over again. Since she was unable to remember what she had just told us, it would be a new thought, and she would speak with enthusiasm and feeling. We didn’t mind. It gave Mama the ability to be part of a conversation – an ability that was quietly being stolen away from her by dementia.
One of the benefits I discovered from hearing Mama’s stories so many times is that I was able to commit them to memory. Further into the disease, when dementia had erased more and more of her memories, I found that by sharing her stories with her, they would resonate with a misty familiarity that made both of us happy. Even later, as dementia progresses, making any connection can provide emotional benefits.
Reminiscing is beneficial for those with dementia
One of the most common complaints I have heard over the years from caregivers is that they would spend more time with their loved one if they had something to talk about. If your loved one keeps repeating the same story over and over, one idea for a New Year’s resolution would be to collect as many of their stories as you are able (perhaps by recording them) so later, when their own memories begin to fade away, you will be the one reciting them over and over to your loved one. If they feel connected to you during the time you spend together, it will bring them joy, and their happy feelings will remain long after you leave.
A New Year’s resolution as easy as this one will be a lot easier to accomplish than some that require extreme exercise and diet modifications. May your new year be filled with peace and joy, along with a good dose of hope for 2026.
Has your world been touched by dementia?
My book, “Finishing Well: Finding the Joy in Dementia“, is a collection of stories and tips about doing life with my Mama. May it encourage and inspire you to find joy on your own, unique journey.