My grandpa used to tell me, “Adaptability is the key to longevity.” I laughed it off back then. But as I got older, I realized he was onto something.
Staying open to change as we age is not just about survival, it’s about thriving.
It’s about embracing life’s ebb and flow with grace and curiosity.
And let’s be real, it’s a heck of a lot healthier than being stuck in our ways (and yes, there’s plenty of science to back this up).
But let’s face it.
Change isn’t easy, especially when you’re set in your ways. You might even be oblivious to certain habits that are keeping you from being more adaptable.
So, if you’re wondering, “How can I stay open to change as I get older?” you might want to consider letting go of these seven habits that could be slowing down your personal evolution.
Remember: staying flexible and adaptable isn’t just about saying hello to new ways – it’s also about bidding adieu to old ones.
1) Letting fear dictate your decisions
Ever heard of the adage, “Fear is a liar?” Well, it’s spot on.
Fear has this knack for making mountains out of molehills.
It can paralyze you, making you second guess your every move. But here’s the kicker – it can also prevent you from embracing change.
Think about it.
You might be afraid to try new technologies, or to travel to foreign places.
You might fear changing your lifestyle, even if it’s for the better. But all these fears do is keep you boxed in, stuck in the same old rut.
The trick is to acknowledge your fears, but don’t let them call the shots.
Remember – courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important.
If you want to stay open to change as you age, say goodbye to letting fear dictate your decisions.
The world is a fascinating place – don’t let fear rob you of its wonders!
2) Clinging to the past
I used to be a chronic past-dweller. I’d replay old memories like a broken record, reminiscing about “the good old days.” Nothing wrong with a bit of nostalgia, right?
Wrong.
My obsession with the past was stopping me from fully experiencing the present. I was so focused on how things used to be that I was closing myself off from new experiences and opportunities.
It hit me one day when my daughter asked me to join her for a yoga class.
My initial reaction? “Oh, I’m too old for that. It wasn’t something we did back in my day.” But then I realized, that was exactly my problem.
So I went – and guess what? I loved it. And not just the yoga, but the ability to try something new, something different from what I was used to.
Whenever you find yourself constantly looking back, it might be time to let go of that habit.
The past has valuable lessons, sure, but don’t let it stop you from living in the here and now. After all, change is happening in the present, not in the yesteryears.
3) The need to always be right
I’ll admit it. I used to be quite the know-it-all.
Whenever someone challenged my viewpoint, I’d go into defense mode.
Whether it was about politics, lifestyle choices, or even the best way to cook a steak – I had to have the last word.
But here’s the thing. Being stuck in a mindset where you always need to be right can prevent you from learning and growing.
It can blind you from seeing different perspectives and embracing new ideas.
There was a day when my son suggested a different approach to solve a problem I’d been wrestling with. My initial response?
Rejection, because it wasn’t my idea, and therefore, it couldn’t possibly be right.
But taking a step back, I realized that his method was not only valid but more efficient.
That was a wake-up call for me.
So, here’s the deal. If you want to stay open to change as you get older, let go of the need to always be right.
Embrace the fact that there is more than one way to view a situation or resolve a problem.
It’s not about being right all the time – it’s about being open to learning and growing, no matter what your age.
4) Overcommitting your time
Time is a precious commodity. And as we get older, it seems to slip through our fingers even faster.
I used to pride myself on being ‘busy.’ I filled my calendar with appointments, meetings, family gatherings – you name it.
But in reality, I was just overcommitting my time.
Here’s the problem.
When you’re always busy, you leave no room for spontaneity. No space for unexpected opportunities or experiences.
You’re so caught up in the hustle and bustle that you don’t have time to adapt and try new things.
I learned this the hard way when a friend invited me on a last-minute trip. I declined because my schedule was packed.
But later, seeing the photos and hearing about their adventures, I regretted my decision.
Leave some room in your schedule for the unexpected. You never know what exciting opportunities might come your way when you do!
5) Avoiding technology
Did you know that the oldest YouTube creator was 107 years old? She used to share her cooking skills with the world, proving that age is just a number when it comes to embracing technology.
Many of us, however, tend to shy away from new tech. We see it as complicated or unnecessary.
But here’s the thing: avoiding technology can close off a world of opportunities.
I used to be one of those people who thought smartphones were just for the younger generation.
But when I finally decided to give it a try, I realized how much I was missing out.
From staying connected with family and friends to learning new skills online – technology opened up a whole new world for me.
So, if you’re keen on staying open to change as you get older, it’s time to embrace technology.
It’s not about becoming a tech wizard overnight, but about being open to the possibilities that new tech can bring into your life.
6) Neglecting self-care
Life can get busy. And often, we put everyone else’s needs before our own.
I used to do it all the time – juggling work, family, friends, and forgetting the most important person in the equation – me.
But here’s a gentle reminder.
Self-care is not selfish. It’s necessary. When we neglect our own well-being, we’re not at our best to embrace change or try new things.
We’re simply too tired or overwhelmed.
When I started taking some time out each day just for me – whether it was a walk in the park, reading a book, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in silence – I noticed a difference.
I was happier, more relaxed, and more open to new experiences and changes.
If you want to remain open to change as you get older, don’t neglect self-care. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Taking care of yourself isn’t just good for you – it’s good for everyone around you too.
7) Resistance to learning
Never stop learning. This, above all, is the key to staying open to change as you get older.
We’re living in a world that’s constantly evolving, constantly changing. And the only way to keep up – and thrive – is to keep learning.
Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, reading about different cultures, or taking an online course – every new thing you learn broadens your perspective and opens you up to changes.
Say goodbye to resistance and welcome learning with open arms.
Because the more you learn, the more adaptable you become, no matter how old you are.
The final take
It’s perfectly normal to see some of your own habits in this list. We’re creatures of habit, after all.
But remember – who you are today doesn’t have to define who you’ll be tomorrow.
With a little self-awareness and a willingness to change, these habits can be let go.
The process won’t happen overnight, but each small step towards change is a victory in itself.
Start by taking notice of your actions and decisions. Are they being influenced by a fear of change? Are they keeping you stuck in the past or preventing you from embracing the present?
The answers to these questions can provide valuable insights into your readiness for change. And once you recognize these patterns, you’re already on your way to breaking them.
Change is the only constant in life.
And staying open to it as we get older is not just about adapting – it’s about thriving in an ever-changing world.
So be gentle with yourself as you embark on this journey. Celebrate every small victory, every new experience, every moment of growth.
You’re not just growing older – you’re growing wiser, stronger, and more adaptable.
Here’s to embracing change, at any age.
