Eliza Hartley
There’s a curious phenomenon that happens as some women age; they become moodier and more unpleasant.
But why does this happen?
Psychology offers us a window into the behaviors that define this shift. It’s not about pointing fingers or making anyone feel bad.
Rather, it’s about understanding the changes that occur and how to navigate them.
In this article, we’ll delve into the seven behaviors that typically signify this transformation, according to psychological studies.
Knowledge is power, and understanding these behaviors can lead to more mindful interactions, personal growth, and peace in your relationships.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
1) Increased irritability
It’s common knowledge that as people age, they can become more irritable. But why is that?
It’s not just about physical discomfort or the frustration of aging. In many cases, it’s tied to an increased sense of vulnerability.
As women age, they often face a multitude of changes – from hormonal shifts to life transitions like retirement or empty nesting.
These changes can create a sense of instability, leading to increased irritability as a defense mechanism.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t about blaming or shaming. Understanding this behavior can bring empathy and mindfulness into our interactions with those who display it.
Instead of reacting defensively, we can choose to respond with compassion and understanding, promoting more harmonious relationships.
Next time you encounter an older woman who seems irritable, remember this psychological insight.
It may help you navigate the situation with more patience and grace.
2) Resistance to change
One thing I’ve noticed in my personal life is that some older women seem more resistant to change.
My Aunt Martha, for example, has always been a person of routine.
But as she’s gotten older, her routines have become almost sacred, and any suggestion of change is met with a surprising level of resistance.
As people age, they can become more set in their ways, partly due to the comfort found in familiarity.
Moreover, the world around them is changing rapidly, which can be unsettling.
This resistance to change is a way of maintaining control and stability in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable.
Understanding this behavior has helped me approach my Aunt Martha with more empathy.
Instead of getting frustrated when she resists new ideas or changes, I try to offer reassurance and show her the potential benefits at her own pace.
This understanding has certainly improved our relationship and reduced misunderstandings.
3) Difficulty staying present
As we age, it can become increasingly difficult to stay present in the moment.
Our minds are often busy reliving the past or worrying about the future, leading to a state of constant distraction.
In my work as a psychologist and author, this is a topic I’ve delved into deeply.
In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment,” I explore how mindfulness can be a powerful tool to combat this distraction and help us live more fully in the present.
Mindfulness is about paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment in a non-judgmental way.
It’s about becoming aware of what’s happening right now, without getting caught up in our thoughts or emotions.
For older women who become moodier and more unpleasant, practicing mindfulness can be transformative.
It can help them reduce stress, improve their mood, and cultivate more positive interactions with others.
By understanding this behavior, we can encourage and support our loved ones to embrace mindfulness practices.
Whether it’s through meditation, mindful eating, or simply taking a moment to breathe deeply and observe their surroundings, mindfulness can be a powerful antidote to the difficulties of aging.
4) Increased isolation
There’s a house at the end of my street, occupied by an elderly woman. Over time, I’ve noticed her interactions with neighbors and passersby become less frequent.
Her once vibrant porch is now often empty, and she seems to prefer the solitude of her home.
This increased isolation can be a common behavior as women age and become moodier.
It’s not necessarily about disliking people or becoming anti-social.
Instead, it can be about protecting oneself from potential emotional stressors or feeling overwhelmed by social situations.
This behavior can be challenging for loved ones who want to maintain a connection.
Patience, understanding, and persistence can make a difference.
Small gestures, like dropping off a favorite meal or simply sending a thoughtful message, can help bridge the gap and let them know they are cared for.
Everyone wants to feel connected. Sometimes, it just takes a little more effort and understanding to maintain those connections as we age.
5) Increased sensitivity
You might think that as women age and seemingly become moodier, they would develop a thicker skin. Surprisingly, the opposite is often true.
An increased sensitivity can be a common behavior amongst older women who appear more unpleasant.
This might seem counter-intuitive, but it’s actually linked to a heightened awareness of one’s own feelings and the feelings of others.
This increased sensitivity can manifest in various ways.
They might take offense more easily, or become more emotional in response to movies, books, or personal stories.
Don’t mistake this sensitivity for weakness.
It’s simply a different way of experiencing the world.
Understanding this can help us communicate with more empathy and grace, fostering better relationships with the women in our lives who display this behavior.
6) Decreased patience
Patience is often associated with wisdom and age.
For some women who become moodier as they age, patience may actually decrease.
This can be due to a variety of factors.
It could be a reaction to physical discomfort, frustration with the pace of modern life, or simply a shift in perspective that comes with aging.
The phrase “time is of the essence” takes on a new meaning as we age.
The awareness of time passing can make some older women more focused on efficiency, leading them to be less tolerant of delays or disruptions.
This behavior can be challenging for those around them.
Yet, understanding where it’s coming from can foster more patience on our part, leading to more harmonious interactions.
7) Increased self-focus
As some women age, they may become more focused on themselves.
This isn’t about being selfish or self-centered. It’s about self-preservation and dealing with the many changes that come with aging.
This increased self-focus can manifest as seeming less interested in others’ lives or being more absorbed in their own experiences and feelings.
This behavior isn’t a character flaw. It’s a response to the complexities of aging.
Understanding this can build empathy and respect for their journey, enriching our relationships with them.
Understanding: The pathway to compassion
Human behavior is a complex web of biochemistry, experiences, and environmental influences.
As women age and seemingly become moodier, it’s important to remember that this is just one aspect of their journey.
The seven behaviors we’ve discussed might shed light on some of the changes they are experiencing.
But at the heart of it all, it’s about understanding and compassion.
In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment,” I explore how mindfulness can help us cultivate these qualities.
When we’re mindful, we’re less likely to judge and more likely to empathize.
We become more patient and understanding, allowing us to navigate our relationships with more ease and grace.
Next time you encounter an older woman who seems moodier or more unpleasant, remember this: Beneath the surface behaviors, there’s a person navigating the complexities of life and aging.
Your understanding and compassion can make all the difference.
In essence, we’re all on a journey. As we understand others, we understand ourselves better.
And that makes for a richer, more compassionate world for us all.
