Science is looking for strategies to slow down aging, but we already have some that can be very useful to us. Do you know them? Today we explain why some people age badly, so as to avoid it.
Last update: July 16, 2022
There are people who age badly, and we are not referring to those who reach the age of 60 or 70 with greater physical deterioration and worse health. There are those who reach the autumn of life harboring resentment, constant discontent and without enthusiasm.
It is true that it is not always easy to accept the passage of time and that it is sometimes difficult to recognize one's face in the mirror when the smile is mixed with wrinkles.
However, it is troubling to see how some of our loved ones display an increasingly boring and even hostile temper as they get older. It is often said that personality does not change with age, and those who were a little taciturn and rude in their youth will be even more so when they have gray hair.
It's true that old age isn't all pink and white, but it's certainly sad to see people intensify their negative character traits. But what is this due to? How to reach old age with a better mood and mental well-being?
Behind the bad mood of the elderly, there is often a psychological disorder such as depression.
Reasons why there are people who age badly
Studies on aging are numerous and this is not accidental. Duke University research highlights that one of the biggest challenges facing society is its progressive aging. It is estimated that one in six people in the world will be over 2050 by 65.
In light of this, one of the goals of science is to slow down aging in order to have productive people in old age. It sounds like science fiction, but it's a reality that has been working on for years.
Medicine and even bioengineering are studying how to fool the DNA to stay young regardless of age.
It is hoped to reach the age of 60 in good physical health. However, we are neglecting the mental health variable. Because few facts are more decisive than being psychologically well at any stage of life, including the one in which the candles barely fit into the birthday cake.
Aging mentally well is an art, a blessing that we all aspire to. But why are there people who are aging badly?
People can change over the years. Factors such as traumatic events, poor family relationships and loneliness can develop a more hermetic and complex character.
1. The weight of loneliness
Over the years it is common to suffer some losses. Loneliness is currently a real epidemic among the population. Losing a spouse, living isolated from the community and receiving fewer and fewer visits from relatives have a great impact on the elderly.
Forced loneliness makes you physically and emotionally ill. It is common for the person to change as a result of these circumstances as well.
2. When resentment and pride prevent forgiveness
Old age is undoubtedly the phase of life in which one must know how to forgive. It is not good to reach the threshold of 60 or 70 years of rancor, without stable ties and the affection of loved ones. Regret comes earlier or pious and sometimes there is no turning back.
There are many people who age badly because of pride weighed more than empathy in their daily life.
3. Some experiences can change our personality
On average one reaches old age carrying with the same character of youth. It is therefore expected that those who were unpleasant and unsociable as a young person will always be. Much research, however, indicates that personality is not as stable as we think.
It is true that there are aspects that do not vary, but a study from the University of Edinburgh indicates that the personality changes as we mature, experience and learn.
In the same way, some traumatic or painful experiences can deeply affect us, influencing aging. For example, one can become more wary, disillusioned, etc.
4. People aging badly due to the psychosocial situation
Economic difficulties, living in a disadvantaged environment or being at risk of exclusion affect aging. While it is often said that money does not make you happy, the truth is that it is the means that facilitates or hinders a person's livelihood.
If you do not have sufficient financial resources, if health care is not adequate and chronic stress is an eternal companion in life, it is very difficult to face every day and the passing of the years.
5. Don't accept the passage of time
Aging with optimism necessarily implies accepting the impact of years on your body. It is not easy, we are not taught it in school and it is common to have highly distorted prejudices towards the elderly. Many oppose the passage of time, show a clear phobia towards this stage of life and fight against it.
Few battles are more fruitless, at least for now, than dealing with the passage of time. Denying one's age only causes suffering. To conclude, people who age badly are, for the most part, unhappy men and women.
One of the strategies that we should aim at is to take care of the psychological sphere during the aging process. Setting goals, keeping an active mind and enjoying social connection are key pillars at any age.
