I Love Surprises???

Researchers have found that novelty activates a number of brain systems especially the dopamine system which is involved in learning and memory. Research by UCL psychologists have shown that exposure to new experiences improves memory.  


"When we are confronted by a novel task, our prefrontal cortex works very hard, but as we become familiar with the task, the prefrontal cortex becomes less necessary," Dr. Goldberg said. According to him people who are indifferent or rejects novelty stand the risk of "mental autopilot" when they are just content with routines. They do not provide the opportunities for stimulation which may then lead to "deficiencies in structure and function in the right hemisphere, particularly in the prefrontal cortex".

 I have also read that babies learn best when there are elements of surprises. For example when the function of a toy comes as a surprise to a baby ie. something he never expects, he tends to focus and learns more about the object.

Now I am not an ageist but from my observation of elderly people (myself inclusive) many do not really like surprises especially those that make them uncomfortable. Speaking for myself I don't really relish too much of a novelty or challenges. I attribute this behaviour to 2 main factors, 1) fear or lack of confidence and 2) content with the mundane (please don't rock my boat). 

Recently I attended a course where there were many younger participants (being the oldest in class is getting more frequent nowadays... sigh). There was an exercise where we had to read brief cases, analyse a bit and then fill in a "complex" decision matrix (complex to me, reinforced by various colour codes) based on the intensity of  4 factors each with several sub headings for each case. Wow that caused my heartbeat to gallop. Before I could even understand the workings of the matrix I had to read the cases. It didn't help that I have always been a slow reader. When my neighbour started turning the pages of the handout I began to panic. Actually if I have more confidence in myself and not too worried about appearing as slow in the mind I would certainly have done better and enjoyed more. Yet this may be a deterrent from attending more mind challenging courses until I manage my ego problem.

The second reason which I alluded to is the contentment with the mundane and indifference to novelty. I find myself increasingly shrugging off my shoulders when reading about new exploits of the young and dismissing them with the remark "CRAZY". The problem is I don't even give the subject more attention or focus to learn more as would a baby engaging a new toy. Another of such feeling is that of being "resigned" to this impossibly fast changing world and suppressing it in the "I know it ALL" attitude.

Fortunately I am fearful of one thing, dementia and mind degradation. This fear I believe will propel or force me to embrace novelties. Oh SURPRISE SURPRISE " I love SURPRISES" even if it means the tour guide looking at me sympathetically and declaring "Sorry madam there is no turning back and we have only covered less than half the route" ie. Biting off more than I can chew.