If you’ve ever dealt with someone who seems to grow more stubborn and inflexible with age, you know it can be a real challenge.
This tendency often comes with age and isn’t necessarily a conscious choice.
People who become more set in their ways as they age typically exhibit eight common behaviors. These behaviors can make interactions difficult and might leave you feeling frustrated or confused.
However, understanding these behaviors can make them easier to navigate.
So, let’s dive in and learn about the 8 behaviors commonly adopted by people who become increasingly stubborn and inflexible as they get older.
1) Resistance to change
This is one of the most noticeable behaviors in people who become more stubborn and inflexible as they age. They may often be heard saying something along the lines of, “But we’ve always done it this way.”
What’s happening here isn’t just about being comfortable with routine. It’s about resisting change, even when that change might be beneficial. For instance, if you suggest a new way of organizing the kitchen, they might resist simply because it’s different from what they’re used to.
This resistance to change can make interactions with them challenging. You might feel like your suggestions or ideas are being dismissed without consideration and feel frustrated as a result.
But understanding this behavior can help you navigate it better. Recognizing that their resistance is not personal but a product of their increasing inflexibility can make dealing with this behavior less stressful.
You can then approach these situations with more patience and understanding, rather than feeling dismissed or invalidated.
2) Increased reliance on routine
Interestingly enough, as people become more stubborn and inflexible with age, their dependence on routine can actually increase. You might notice that they like to have their meals at the same time every day, or they always watch the news at a specific time.
This might seem a bit strange, especially if they were once spontaneous and adventurous. But this increased reliance on routine is their way of maintaining control over their environment. It’s predictability giving them a sense of security.
So, if you’re trying to introduce something new into their routine, expect some pushback. They might see your suggestion as an intrusion into their well-established pattern.
Remember, it’s not about you or your ideas being bad or unwelcome. It’s about their need for the familiar and predictable. Understanding this can help you approach these situations with empathy and patience.
3) Less openness to new experiences
As people age, their level of openness to new experiences often decreases. This is not just a sign of stubbornness or inflexibility, but a natural process of aging.
In the field of psychology, this is tied to a major personality trait known as “openness to experience.” Research has shown that as people age, they generally become less open to new experiences.
This could manifest in numerous ways, such as being hesitant to try new foods, meet new people, or explore new places. They might prefer sticking to what they know and are comfortable with, which can come off as stubbornness.
This behavior can be challenging when you’re trying to share something you’re passionate about with them. It’s important to remember that it’s not a rejection of you or your interests.
It’s just their way of navigating the world as they age. This understanding can help you engage with them in a more empathetic and patient manner.
4) Tendency to reminisce
As people grow older and more set in their ways, they might frequently look back on the past. This is not merely a sign of stubbornness or inflexibility, but a natural part of aging.
You may notice them reminiscing about “the good old days” or repeatedly sharing stories from their past. It might seem like they’re stuck in a time warp and unwilling to embrace the present.
However, this isn’t necessarily a rejection of the present or an act of stubbornness. Often, it’s a comforting way for them to connect with their past and the experiences that have shaped them.
When you encounter this behavior, try joining in their journey down memory lane. This can be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about them and show your appreciation for their life story.
It’s not about encouraging them to live in the past, but about validating their experiences and showing them that they’re valued and loved.
5) Preference for familiar faces
As people become more stubborn and inflexible with age, they often gravitate towards familiar faces, preferring the company of long-time friends and family members over meeting new people.
This behavior might manifest in their social choices – perhaps they’d rather have dinner at home with close family than go out to a social event with people they don’t know well.
While this can seem like stubbornness, it’s often more about comfort and security. Familiar faces remind them of a time when things were less complicated or simply bring them joy and comfort.
We’ve all had those moments where we prefer the company of our closest friends over making small talk with strangers.
So, when you see this behavior, remember that it’s something most of us can relate to at some point or another. It’s about finding comfort in what’s known and cherished.
6) Difficulty accepting help
In growing more stubborn and inflexible with age, people often have a hard time accepting help. They might insist on doing things on their own, even if it’s clear they could use some assistance.
For example, I once knew an elderly gentleman who insisted on mowing his own lawn, despite his arthritis. He would wave off any offers of help, determined to do it himself.
This isn’t just about being stubborn. It’s often tied to a deep-seated desire to maintain independence and control over their lives. They might see accepting help as a sign of weakness or an admission that they’re not as capable as they once were.
When you encounter this behavior, it’s important to approach it with patience and understanding. Offering help in a way that respects their autonomy and dignity can make it easier for them to accept it.
7) Inflexibility around opinions
As people grow older and more set in their ways, they may become less flexible around their opinions. This could mean they’re not as open to differing viewpoints, or they might argue more fervently for their own beliefs.
This can be particularly challenging when it comes to discussions on topics they feel strongly about. They might dig in their heels, refuse to listen to other perspectives, and even become combative.
While it’s important to respect everyone’s right to their own opinions, this does not mean you have to agree or accept everything they say. It’s okay to challenge their viewpoints and stand your ground.
However, choose your battles wisely. Is it worth getting into a heated debate over a minor issue? Sometimes, it’s better to agree to disagree and move on. Keep in mind that it’s less about changing their mind and more about maintaining a respectful dialogue.
8) Need for patience and understanding
Above all, the most crucial behavior to remember when dealing with people who become more stubborn and inflexible with age is the need for patience and understanding.
These behaviors are often not personal affronts or intentional attempts to be difficult. They’re usually coping mechanisms, and ways of dealing with the changes and challenges that come with aging.
It can be tough to deal with these behaviors, but remember that they’re likely struggling too. Understanding where they’re coming from can make a big difference in how you interact with them.
So, next time you encounter these behaviors, take a deep breath, remind yourself of their perspective, and approach the situation with as much patience and understanding as you can muster. It won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it.
Conclusion
To truly understand is to recognize what truly counts in relationships—and it’s all about what you value as an individual.
This article is here to help you identify the behaviors associated with people who become more stubborn and inflexible as they age, but in the end, how you react and respond is up to you.
Time spent understanding and empathizing is never wasted.
And to truly understand means to be wise enough not to let these behaviors unsettle you or dictate your responses.
Here’s to nurturing more understanding, patient, and fulfilling relationships!
