If you’ve ever noticed older women seeming more serene and self-assured, it might not just be in your head.
Women often grow wiser as they age, displaying certain behaviors that set them apart.
These behaviors aren’t just random, either. According to psychology, there are eight specific behaviors that are common among women who become wiser with age.
Now, aging gracefully isn’t a given. It’s a combination of learned wisdom and personal growth and everyone’s journey is unique.
But you might find that these women handle stress differently or have a unique perspective on life’s ups and downs.
They’ve been through the wringer, and they’ve come out stronger for it.
In this article, we’ll delve into these eight behaviors and shed some light on how they contribute to a woman’s wisdom as she ages.
1) Embracing authenticity
As women grow older and wiser, one of the first behaviors they usually adopt is embracing their authenticity.
This means they become more comfortable in their own skin and less concerned about what others think of them.
It’s not about being dismissive or rude, but rather about knowing who they are and being true to it. For example, you might find that these women are less likely to engage in gossip or unnecessary drama.
They’re more likely to focus on their own happiness and fulfillment instead of trying to fit into societal molds.
These women have had time to understand who they are, what they want, and where they stand in life.
What this does is set a strong foundation for wisdom to flourish. Being authentic means being honest with oneself, which in turn fosters self-awareness and understanding – key components of wisdom.
2) Saying “no”
While it may seem surprising, saying “no” is actually a behavior that wiser older women often adopt.
As women age, they realize that their time and energy are finite resources. They become more selective about the commitments they make and the people they invest their time in.
This isn’t about being selfish or unkind; it’s about understanding one’s own limits and respecting them. It’s about acknowledging that you can’t do everything for everyone all the time, and that’s okay.
Rather than overcommitting and stretching themselves thin, these women prioritize their own wellbeing. They understand that saying “no” to others can sometimes mean saying “yes” to themselves.
This ability to set boundaries and prioritize self-care often leads to a healthier, more balanced life.
And with that balance often comes a deeper wisdom and understanding of oneself and the world around us.
3) Seeking solitude
This isn’t about becoming a recluse or shunning social interaction. As women grow older and wiser, they often find value in spending time alone.
Solitude allows for self-reflection, relaxation, and the cultivation of personal interests.
According to Carl Jung, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, solitude is not a negative state to be avoided but rather a necessary condition for personal growth and self-discovery.
He argued that spending time alone can lead to increased creativity, improved concentration, and a deeper understanding of one’s own emotions and desires.
Older women who embrace solitude often find it allows them to reconnect with themselves, to think more deeply, and to recharge their mental and emotional energies.
These moments of solitude can lead to greater self-awareness and wisdom.
4) Expressing gratitude
Older, wiser women often have a well-cultivated sense of gratitude.
They recognize that life is a mix of good and bad, joy and sorrow, and they’re deeply appreciative of the positive moments, big or small.
This isn’t about dismissing or ignoring life’s hardships. Instead, it’s about acknowledging the good that exists alongside them.
It’s about finding something to be thankful for even in the tough times, whether it’s a loved one’s support, a beautiful sunset, or a warm cup of coffee on a cold day.
Expressing gratitudehelps to shift the focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in life.
This positive outlook can lead to increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved mental well-being – all attributes that contribute to growing wisdom.
And it doesn’t stop at personal benefits. By expressing gratitude, these women also bring positivity into the lives of those around them.
They’re often the ones who remind others that even in the darkest times, there’s always something to be grateful for.
5) Embracing change
Change is an inevitable part of life, and older, wiser women have learned to navigate it with grace.
They understand that life isn’t always going to go according to plan, and they’ve become adept at adapting and moving forward.
This doesn’t mean they never feel scared or uncertain. It’s just that they’ve experienced enough change in their lives to know that it’s not only survivable, but often leads to growth and new possibilities.
Whether it’s a career shift, the end of a relationship, or a sudden move, these women handle change with resilience.
They see it as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than a setback.
This acceptance of life’s ups and downs, twists and turns, contributes significantly to their wisdom.
They’ve learned from experience that change can lead to unexpected joy and fulfillment, and that makes them more open to whatever life throws their way.
6) Cultivating patience
Patience is a virtue, and it’s one that many older, wiser women have learned to cultivate. They understand that good things take time and that rushing rarely leads to the best outcomes.
For instance, think about a woman who loves gardening. She knows that she can’t plant a seed today and expect a fully bloomed flower tomorrow.
It requires time, care, and patience. It’s the same with life. Whether it’s raising children, building a career, or nurturing relationships, these women know that patience often leads to the most rewarding results.
This isn’t about passivity or inaction though. It’s about understanding the value of timing and persistence. These women know when to act and when to wait, when to push and when to relax.
By cultivating patience, they’re able to make more thoughtful decisions, avoid unnecessary stress, and appreciate life’s journey. This contributes immensely to their growing wisdom.
7) Taking responsibility
As women grow older and wiser, they understand the crucial role of taking responsibility for their actions and decisions.
They recognize that while they can’t control everything that happens to them, they can control how they respond.
Instead of playing the blame game when things go wrong, these women look inward.
They ask themselves what they could have done differently and how they can learn from the experience.
This isn’t about self-blame or harsh judgment. It’s about understanding that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s what you do after making them that truly matters.
8) Practicing self-love
Above all, older, wiser women understand the importance of loving themselves.
They’ve learned that in order to care for others and live a fulfilling life, they need to first take care of their own mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
This means they recognize their own worth and treat themselves with kindness and respect. They acknowledge their strengths, accept their flaws, and celebrate their accomplishments.
Self-love influences how these women make decisions, how they interact with others, and how they handle life’s challenges. By loving themselves, they create a positive, nurturing environment for wisdom to thrive.
