In the musical “Cats” by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Grizabella sings “Memory” as she ascends to the “Heaviside Layer” to be reborn. Once a glamorous figure, this grizzled cat now finds herself isolated and yearning for acceptance from her peers.

Her poignant lyrics, based on the poems of T S Eliot, speak to the longing for past glories: “I can dream of the old days / life was beautiful then.”

How many of us wish for a “Heaviside Layer” of our own, a place where we could emerge as a younger version of ourselves, ready to relive life’s adventures? In the busyness of modern life, a single memory can transport us back to a time when everything seemed simpler and more connected.

But what if nostalgia could do more than just comfort us? What if it could heal?

Nostalgia is more than a longing for the past; it encompasses fond memories, milestones, and relationships that shape who we are. For the elderly, these often revolve around childhood, family, and career accomplishments. Moments of nostalgia can be triggered by familiar sights, sounds, or smells, bringing vivid recollections of joy, sorrow, or cherished relationships.

The word “nostalgia” has its roots in the Greek words “nóstos” (return or homecoming) and “álgos” (pain or suffering), to originally describe the intense homesickness experienced by Swiss soldiers in the 17th century.

For a long time, nostalgia was viewed as a form of neurotic depression. By the late 20th century, however, sociologists began to redefine nostalgia in a more positive light, seeing it as a way to connect with our past in a meaningful way.

For the elderly, sharing memories not only brings comfort but also strengthens relationships with younger generations. Family stories, cultural experiences, and historical events create a shared identity that promotes unity across age groups, reinforcing both individual and communal relationships.

Reminiscence therapy, a technique used to help the elderly recall and share past experiences, can evoke positive emotions and improve their quality of life. A 2023 geriatrics study showed that group reminiscence sessions about hometowns significantly boosted life satisfaction among the Korean elderly.

Engaging in activities like journalling, storytelling, playing childhood games, or creating memory albums allows older adults to organise their thoughts and preserve their memories in meaningful ways.

However, nostalgia must be approached carefully; the benefits of reminiscing can depend on the context in which memories are evoked. A 2020 study published in Frontiers of Psychology found that people tend to feel more nostalgic when they are lonely.

While nostalgia can provide comfort, if not managed well, it can also amplify feelings of isolation or dissatisfaction.

The other side of nostalgia

As the Italian poet Dante Alighieri wrote: “There is no greater sorrow than to recall a happy time when miserable.” Nostalgia, when indulged excessively, can trap us in a cycle of regret, longing for a past that can never return. The “good old days” can seem like a distant dream, leaving us feeling disconnected from the present.

In some cases, nostalgia can even lead to bitterness or resentment. People might dwell on lost opportunities, thinking, “I should have married that person” or “I deserved that success”. These thoughts could turn into feelings of anger or vengeance, clouding our ability to live in the present.

Reality reminds us that we must make the most of our time without dwelling too much on what could have been. Nostalgic memories should serve as bridges that connect our experiences, strengthen our hope, and bring healing. It’s essential to acknowledge our past without getting stuck in it.

So the next time you find yourself reminiscing, don’t just savour the memory – share it. Whether with family, friends, or in a therapeutic setting, telling your stories can foster deeper connections and mutual trust.

Let’s embrace those memories over a cup of teh tarik and kaya toast at the nearest kopitiam, but remember to keep one foot grounded in the present.

This article was written by Dr Ng Kwan Hoong, emeritus professor of biomedical imaging at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. A 2020 Merdeka Award recipient, he is a medical physicist by training but also enjoys writing, drawing, taking photos, and bridging the gap between older and younger generations.