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Among the various detrimental stereotypes that exist about older adults is the concept that they’re not able to change, my colleague Faith Hill famous just lately. In truth, many psychologists used to imagine that after younger maturity, folks are likely to settle into their character. That’s largely true, Faith writes, however solely till a sure level: “More recent studies suggest that something unexpected happens to many people as they reach and pass their 60s: Their personality starts changing again.”
This discovering speaks to the capability of older folks to adapt. But as Faith writes, it additionally tells us one thing in regards to the circumstances that many older adults cope with, and the way society may higher assist them. Today’s publication will discover among the extra wondrous parts of older age. Aging just isn’t simple, however many older adults converse of their present stage of life with satisfaction and pleasure. Take the author Margaret Atwood’s reply to Jennifer Senior asking her how outdated she feels in her personal head:
At 53 you are worried about being outdated in comparison with youthful folks. At 83 you benefit from the second, and time journey right here and there previously 8 many years. You don’t fret about seeming outdated, as a result of hey, you actually are outdated! You and your mates make Old jokes. You have extra enjoyable than at 53, in some methods. Wait, you’ll see! 🙂
On Older Age
The Curious Personality Changes of Old Age
By Faith Hill
When folks lose the power to manage their circumstances, their selves generally evolve as a substitute.
The Puzzling Gap Between How Old You Are and How Old You Think You Are
By Jennifer Senior
There are good causes you at all times really feel 20 p.c youthful than your precise age.
The Seven Habits That Lead to Happiness in Old Age
By Arthur C. Brooks
Your well-being is sort of a retirement account: The sooner you make investments, the larger your returns might be.
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P.S.
Reading Jennifer’s article on the age we’re in our personal head, I used to be launched to a publication I’ve been excited to delve into: Oldster Magazine, which usually points questionnaires to novelists, artists, and activists in regards to the expertise of growing older.
— Isabel