Our personalities continue to change throughout our lifetime, often influenced by many factors, including biological, psychological, and social standards. Many of the changes to our behavior and personality we experience are natural. They reflect growth or the need to adapt to a new situation. Some shifts, though, might result from an underlying health condition. Research confirms that certain personality traits—like conscientiousness and agreeableness—increase with age, whereas others—neuroticism—often decrease.
Some changes that come with aging can be concerning, though. Mood swings and withdrawal are often misunderstood or dismissed as a normal part of getting older, but they might indicate something more is happening. Recognizing the distinction is essential for ensuring that older adults get the support and care they need.
Common Personality Changes in Older Adults
Because certain personality changes are common in older adults, it’s essential to know what behavior to look for. If you identify the source of the change quickly and interventions are needed, you can put them in place as soon as possible.
Increased irritability or mood swings
Some older adults experience heightened irritability and mood swings that can stem from anything from hormonal changes and chronic pain to the side effects of a medication they’re taking. In some cases, these mood shifts can escalate into aggressive behavior in older adults, especially when frustration, confusion, or discomfort go unaddressed.
For example, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent and known to cause irritability and extreme confusion in older people. Addressing and treating underlying physical causes for mood changes — like a UTI — can help mitigate fluctuations in behavior.
Social withdrawal or reduced interest in activities
Aging people often withdraw socially or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. This behavior change can come from physical health limitations, hearing loss, vision issues, cognitive decline, or something else.
Some people start to avoid social interactions because they’re frustrated or embarrassed that they can’t hear or communicate as well as they once did. The behavior is commonly mistaken for depression, but it could indicate other issues as well, including dementia or another untreated medical condition.
“Older adults may withdraw from social interactions due to shifts in beliefs, values, or lifestyles. As they age, they are more likely to experience the loss of loved ones, financial challenges, and health issues. These life changes can exacerbate shifts in mood and behavior, including anxiety, impulsivity, depression, and cognitive decline. Additionally, older adults may require medications for physical and mental health conditions, which can have side effects that disrupt their daily interactions with family and friends. As they navigate these adjustments, some may feel like a burden to their loved ones and choose to isolate themselves, which can lead to loneliness.”
Heightened anxiety or paranoia
Anxiety and paranoia can slowly become more profound with age – worrying as a senior becomes the norm. Whether it’s from cognitive decline or life stressors like grief or financial insecurity, left untreated, they can impact quality of life. The symptoms can also be a sign of a mental health condition like depression or a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
Emotional sensitivity or difficulty regulating emotions
It’s not uncommon for older adults to experience heightened emotional sensitivity. It might be the result of brain structure and function changes that come with aging, but conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s can also impair emotional regulation. They can lead to impulsiveness or overreaction to even minor life stressors.
More rigid or stubborn thinking
As humans, adaptability is a hallmark of our resilience. Yet, personality changes in older adults can cause some to become more set in their ways due to the fear of change or cognitive rigidity. Their behavior might reflect a need for control at a time when they feel that everything else in their life is uncertain.
“Psychological shifts within the brain can impact an elderly person’s perspective and mood, sometimes leading to conflicts in family communication and interactions. To navigate these challenges effectively, families can consider active listening, finding common ground, and being respectful and patient. Start with showing genuine interest in their perspective without immediately trying to challenge or correct them. Then, work on identifying shared values or experiences to foster connection and mutual understanding. Avoid being confrontational or dismissive. Instead, frame discussions as opportunities for learning rather than debates. By implementing these strategies, families can promote more meaningful and positive interactions with their elderly loved ones.”
Causes of Personality Changes in Aging
There isn’t a straightforward cause for aging and personality changes. Instead, it’s likely a combination of emotional and psychological factors and other health conditions.
Psychological and emotional factors
Many psychological and emotional factors can significantly impact personalities, especially in the later years of life. Depression, anxiety, and unresolved grief are all common and can lead to personality changes that can be difficult to understand without context.
For example, losing a spouse is more likely as we age, and the experience of widow grief can be life-altering and understandably cause personality changes. Mobility issues also increase with age and can lead to social isolation and loneliness, which can impact personality.
Cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions
Cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease can lead to personality changes in older people. They can manifest as increased irritability, impulsive behavior, and challenges with social interactions, resulting in noticeable changes in how people behave and interact with others.
Physical health
Physical health concerns like chronic pain or UTIs are common contributors to personality changes in older adults. Untreated UTIs can even present as dementia symptoms, causing agitation and confusion. Chronic illnesses like diabetes, COPD, and cardiovascular disease can also impact mood and behavior.
Medication effects
All medications have the potential for side effects that can influence personality. Drugs prescribed for chronic conditions are no different. Polypharmacy — the use of more than one medication at a time — can further exacerbate issues. As people begin taking more medication when they age, it’s imperative that caregivers closely monitor any personality changes that might be linked to medications.
When to Be Concerned About Personality Changes
Knowing when to be concerned about a personality change in an older person is critical. It’s important to distinguish between normal aging and signs of a mental or physical health condition. While gradual personality changes are expected as people age and adapt to new life transitions, sudden shifts might indicate a more serious issue — like dementia, depression, or a stroke. Caregivers, friends, and family members all play a vital role in observing changes and sharing their observations with a doctor if necessary.
Signs that might be concerning include:
- New and persistent withdrawal from social activities
- Dramatic or unusual mood swings
- Increased impulsive behavior
- Difficulty with daily functioning and managing tasks
Seeking Professional Support for Mental-Health-Related Changes
Personality and behavioral changes in older adulthood aren’t just a natural part of aging—they can be signs of underlying mental health concerns. Whether you’re experiencing these shifts yourself or noticing them in a loved one, it’s essential to take them seriously rather than dismissing them as an inevitable aspect of getting older. Learning how to deal with getting older means recognizing when changes in mood, behavior, or personality might require extra support.
Seeking professional support can provide clarity, coping strategies, and emotional guidance to navigate these changes with confidence. Therapy can help manage anxiety, depression, mood fluctuations, and even cognitive decline, offering tools to improve overall well-being.
For older adults facing mobility challenges or those who simply prefer the ease of remote care, Talkspace offers convenient, affordable online therapy. With Medicare coverage available in many states, getting the support you need has never been easier. Reach out today to get started with online therapy covered by Medicare.
