Aging is often seen as a journey toward wisdom and patience, but for some, it brings unexpected emotional challenges.
There’s a subtle shift that happens as some folks get older; they can become a bit more temperamental, even without realizing it.
People who become more temperamental as they age often show distinct behaviors that they might not even be aware of.
Psychology sheds light on eight key habits that tend to emerge with age, revealing how subtle changes can point to deep-rooted frustrations or shifts in temperament:
1) Mood swings
It’s not uncommon for emotions to ebb and flow with the tide of life—but, when the shifts become more extreme and unpredictable, it’s a sign of growing temperament.
One moment they might be cheerful, the next they’re irritable or upset over seemingly minor things.
It can feel like walking on eggshells around them!
Mood swings are not always a sign of intentional grumpiness or rudeness.
Often, these individuals don’t even realize the extent of their emotional roller coaster!
2) Increased irritability
I’ve personally noticed a shift in the tolerance levels of some older people in my life.
They seem to become more easily irritated by things that wouldn’t have bothered them in the past.
Take my uncle, for instance.
He was always the laid-back one in our family, laughing off any inconvenience with a shrug and a smile.
But as he’s gotten older, I’ve noticed a change in his attitude.
Now, even small disruptions like a loud noise or an unexpected change in plans can set him off.
He gets visibly irritated, his face tensing up and his voice raising a pitch.
Again, it’s crucial to remember that this increased irritability is often an unconscious behavior.
It’s not about being intentionally difficult, but rather, a subtle sign of growing temperament with age.
3) Less patience
As people grow older, their level of patience can often take a hit.
This may seem counterintuitive, considering we associate wisdom and age with patience and understanding.
Research even suggests that human brains change as they age, which can make it harder to suppress negative thoughts or handle frustration—this can manifest as a lower threshold for patience.
4) Heightened sensitivity
This is more than just being touchy or easily upset, but can also include heightened sensitivity to physical discomfort, loud noises, or even bright lights.
For example, an older person might find themselves more affected by a drafty room, or a blaring television that they would have previously tolerated.
This increased sensitivity can often lead to them reacting more quickly or dramatically to situations they find uncomfortable.
It’s an unconscious reaction to their heightened awareness of their surroundings—understanding this can help people respond to them with more empathy and care.
5) Need for control
As people age, the world can sometimes feel like it’s spinning a bit out of control.
Retirement, health concerns, or the loss of loved ones can make the world feel less predictable.
In response, some people develop a heightened need for control over their environment and daily routine.
They might become upset if their daily rituals are disrupted or if they feel like they’re losing a grip on their independence.
This could be their way of trying to maintain a sense of control in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable.
6) Social withdrawal
My grandmother was always the life of the party, the woman who would dance till dawn and make friends wherever she went.
But as she got older, I noticed a shift.
Suddenly, she seemed to prefer staying home to going out.
She turned down invitations to family gatherings and started to withdraw from her usual social activities.
This social withdrawal is common in people becoming more temperamental with age.
It’s not about becoming antisocial or reclusive, but rather an unconscious tendency to retreat from situations that might be overwhelming or stressful.
It’s important to respect their space, but also gently encourage social activities to ensure they remain connected and engaged.
7) Defensive attitude
Another common behavior displayed by those becoming more temperamental with age is a defensive attitude.
This can manifest in different ways, like taking offense easily or feeling the need to justify their actions more frequently.
For example, they might react defensively to harmless comments or suggestions, interpreting them as criticism or attempts to control them.
Rather than interpreting it as stubbornness or rudeness, understanding it as a sign of their growing temperament can help people respond with more patience.
8) Resistance to change
The most significant sign of people becoming more temperamental with age is a resistance to change.
This isn’t about being set in their ways, but rather an unconscious struggle to adapt to new situations or routines.
As people age, the cognitive flexibility can decrease, making it more challenging to handle changes.
This resistance can manifest as frustration, irritability or stubbornness when faced with new technologies, routines or ideas.
It’s crucial to remember that this isn’t about a conscious decision to be difficult; this is an inherent part of aging!
Final thoughts: It’s all part of the journey
Human behavior and emotions evolve as we age, often in unexpected ways.
Brain changes play a role; areas like the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate emotions, can deteriorate over time, leading to mood swings or irritability.
It’s not about blaming or labeling people as difficult but recognizing these changes as a natural part of aging and responding with empathy.
Just as a river changes course, we change throughout life.
Approach these shifts with understanding, compassion, and patience.
When you see an older person acting differently, just remember that it reflects the complex journey of aging!
