Aging and Behavior

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age” -Sophia Loren

The base of our behaviors form at birth. Throughout the beginning of our life, these behaviors develop further through education, religion, family and circumstance. By the time we reach 27, our behaviors are somewhat cemented.

As we grow older, some of our behaviors may become more intense. We become set in our ways and often resistant to change. When paired with health issues and situations in which we have little control, this can make us anxious and difficult to help.

Understanding our behavior and the behavior around us will help us deal with these changing situations. As we age, many of us may encounter health issues that will complicate the way we are able to communicate with those around us.

Declining health can present many challenges to all behavior types. If you tend to be a quieter person, you may grapple with getting the care that you need without feeling guilty for asking. If you have trouble with your vision or hearing, you may have difficulties feeling acknowledged or understood.

If you are a go-getter who likes to take control of the situation and drive results, you may have a hard time accepting help from a caregiver. Not only will it be difficult to let someone else take charge, you’ll also be struggling with yourself to admit that you need help. This could lead to frustration for both parties and a strained relationship if not properly addressed.

These frustrations are perfectly natural and understandable for the situation. By understanding the behaviors involved, we can find solutions that work for everyone. It’s important to remember that while behaviors are not inherently good or bad, it is crucial that they are managed and kept in mind. If we properly manage our behaviors, we can maintain that sense of fulfillment and peace that only comes when we understand why we do what we do.