As we age, we may become more susceptible to manipulation without even recognizing it.
This can be a slippery slope. Often, it’s not about people having malicious intentions, but more about us unknowingly opening the door to manipulation.
The key is in the behaviors we exhibit. There are clear signs that make someone an easy target for manipulation, especially as they get older.
In this article, I’ll shine a light on the 8 behaviors that typically make people easier to manipulate as they age, without them even realizing it. It’s all about awareness, so let’s dive in!
1) Trusting too easily
As we get older, our circle of trust often becomes smaller. But paradoxically, that can sometimes make us more susceptible to manipulation.
The reason? We start to assume that anyone in our close-knit circle must have good intentions, and we therefore lower our guard.
This misplaced trust can be exploited by manipulators, who are very good at presenting themselves as trustworthy figures in our lives.
Being trusting isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s a sign of a kind and open heart. But it’s important to remember that trust should always be earned, not given freely, regardless of your age.
Just as a wise person knows when to give trust, they should also know when to withhold it. Being cautious isn’t being cynical; it’s just being smart.
2) Falling into routine
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed myself falling into more and more routines. I wake up at the same time each day, eat the same breakfast, walk the same route with my dog, and so on.
Routines can offer comfort and predictability in a chaotic world. But they can also make us predictable, and thus easier to manipulate.
Here’s a personal example: I have a friend who knows I always go to the same coffee shop on Sundays. One day, he wanted me to help him move but knew I would probably decline if asked outright. So, he ‘bumped into’ me at the coffee shop and casually brought up his need for help.
In essence, he used my routine against me to manipulate me into saying yes.
I didn’t realize it until later, but this incident made me aware of how set routines can leave us open to manipulation.
It’s not about abandoning routines altogether, but about being aware of them and knowing when to break from them if necessary.
3) Over-reliance on past experiences
As we age, we accumulate a wealth of life experiences. These can serve as valuable lessons, but they can also blind us to the possibilities of the present.
Psychology tells us that our brains often use heuristics – mental shortcuts – to make decisions. One of these shortcuts is the availability heuristic, which leads us to make decisions based on information that is readily available in our memory.
For instance, if you’ve always had positive experiences with a particular brand, you might overlook negative reviews or red flags because your past experiences lead you to believe that everything will be fine.
This over-reliance on past experiences can make us easy targets for manipulation, as unscrupulous individuals can take advantage of this heuristic to push their agenda.
It’s crucial to remember that past experiences are not always indicative of future outcomes. We should continually reassess our decisions and perceptions in light of new information.
4) Resistance to new technology
In our rapidly evolving digital age, keeping up with technology may seem daunting, especially for older individuals. This resistance or fear of new technology can make one an easy target for manipulation.
People who are not tech-savvy might find themselves relying heavily on others to navigate technology. This opens up opportunities for manipulators to take control or exploit their lack of knowledge.
For instance, a manipulator could easily convince an unsuspecting individual to download harmful software or share sensitive information under the guise of ‘helping’ them.
Staying informed and educated about basic technological advancements and cybersecurity practices is a proactive way to guard against this form of manipulation.
Being open to learning new things, no matter your age is an essential shield against manipulation.
5) Longing for connection
As we age, we may experience changes in our social circles. Friends may move away, children may grow up and leave home, and we may retire from work.
This can sometimes lead to a sense of loneliness and a longing for connection.
In such situations, we may lower our defenses in the hope of forming new relationships. This opens the door for manipulative individuals to exploit our need for companionship.
It’s a sad reality that some people prey on the loneliness of others. They offer friendship or love, often with hidden self-serving motives.
While the desire for connection is human and completely normal, it’s important to be wary of those who seem to offer it too readily or without genuine intent.
6) Difficulty setting boundaries
Setting boundaries has always been a challenge for me. I often find myself agreeing to things I’d rather not do, simply because I don’t want to upset anyone.
As we get older, setting boundaries can become even more difficult. We may feel obliged to accommodate others, especially if we fear losing relationships or being seen as uncooperative.
This difficulty in setting boundaries, however, can make us susceptible to manipulation. Manipulators often exploit those who struggle to say ‘no’, pushing them into situations they are uncomfortable with.
Learning to set firm boundaries is crucial in maintaining control over our own lives. It’s a skill that I’m still working on, and it’s never too late to start.
7) Neglecting self-care
As we age, it’s easy to get caught up in taking care of everyone else around us and forget to prioritize our own needs. This neglect of self-care can leave us emotionally and physically drained, making us more susceptible to manipulation.
Manipulators often target those who are already feeling run-down or overwhelmed because they’re more likely to give in without putting up much resistance.
Ignoring your own needs and feelings can also cloud your judgment, making it harder to recognize when you’re being manipulated.
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. By taking care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to make clear decisions and less likely to fall victim to manipulation.
8) Ignoring red flags
Perhaps the most crucial behavior that makes us susceptible to manipulation as we age is ignoring red flags.
We’ve all had that gut feeling when something isn’t right. It’s that small voice inside us warning us of danger. Ignoring these instincts can often lead us straight into the hands of manipulators.
Manipulators are often charming and persuasive, making it easy to overlook their questionable actions or inconsistencies. But it’s important to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Your intuition is a powerful tool in your defense against manipulation. Learn to trust it. It could save you from a lot of trouble.
Concluding thoughts: It’s all about awareness
At the heart of it all, manipulation thrives in the absence of awareness.
Whether it’s the Stanford Prison Experiment that demonstrated how situational forces can influence our behavior, or the Milgram experiment that showcased our susceptibility to authority, psychological studies have repeatedly emphasized the power of awareness in resisting manipulation.
As we age, we become more susceptible to manipulation due to various behaviors we exhibit, often unknowingly. But simply being aware of these behaviors can go a long way in shielding us from manipulative tactics.
Remember, knowledge is power. Understanding these behaviors is the first step towards building resistance against manipulation.
So, as you step forward from here, take with you this newfound understanding. Reflect on your behaviors and stay vigilant. No matter how old you get, remember that you have the power to dictate your own actions and decisions.
Stay aware, stay strong.
