Did you know that roughly 26% of American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder? In some cases, those disorders can cause big shifts in personality and how they approach the world.
Seniors are not immune to the effects of mental health disorders, despite their years of wisdom and experience. Living in a peaceful location such as Luling, LA, which sits outside of New Orleans, can help even a person’s mood. However, personality changes can still happen out of nowhere.
Here’s what families need to understand about how a personality changes with age.
Natural Personality Evolution With Age
Personality is often thought of as a stable trait that defines a person across their lifespan. That is true, to an extent. However, a person’s personality can and does evolve over time.
Life events, health changes, and loss of loved ones can all impact how seniors express themselves. They may alter bits and pieces of their personality to match another person’s mood or character.
Generally, older adults become more agreeable, less open to new experiences, or more introverted.
Aging doesn’t have to change a person’s core values or character. However, it can influence how those traits show up.
A person who was highly independent and assertive may become more passive due to mobility issues. They may become more patient with people from different walks of life.
It’s important to identify the cause of personality changes to rule out depression or anxiety.
Emotional Shifts In Seniors
Seniors often become more sensitive, reflective, or nostalgic in their advanced age. Common contributions to this shift include:
- Hormonal changes
- The loss of a social circle
- Reduce physical activity
In some cases, seniors may become more easily irritated or anxious. This is especially common when routines are disrupted.
Families should recognize that these emotional shifts are not always a sign of something wrong. Many older adults experience increased emotional resilience and wisdom. They may prioritize relationships and emotional well-being over material concerns.
What should concern family members is when their senior loved ones display persistent sadness and severe anxiety.
Memory Care Awareness
Memory care awareness is essential when dealing with older adults. Not all personality changes are due to things like depression or grief. In some cases, it’s a biological problem that needs attention as soon as possible.
Sudden or extreme shifts in behavior may be linked to cognitive decline, particularly Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
A once calm and patient individual who becomes aggressive or paranoid may be experiencing neurological changes. The same goes for seniors who begin to display poor judgment or confusion. These changes call for cognitive evaluation and coordination with healthcare professionals.
Families must remain vigilant and supportive. It helps to create a record of observed behavioral changes. They can then communicate openly with healthcare providers about the progression of the cognitive decline.
If necessary, families should consider moving their loved one into a memory care community. These communities provide a safe neighborhood for seniors to live while receiving the specialized care they need.
Common Aging Behavior Changes and Causes
Several behavioral changes seen in the elderly stem from psychological or physiological transformations. These include:
- Increased irritability or frustration
- Social withdrawal
- Obsessive behaviors or fixations
- Apathy or loss of motivation
Irritability is often caused by chronic pain or the loss of hearing or vision. It can also come about if a senior is frustrated with dependency on a caregiver.
Seniors who are depressed or developing memory issues may socially withdraw.
Obsessive behaviors include over-fixation on routines, personal safety, or minor grievances. On the other side, you have seniors who become apathetic or lose motivation due to either depression or a cognitive disorder.
Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline is considered the leading contributor to personality changes in aging individuals. Like the rest of the body, the brain undergoes natural aging. However, the brain can only heal or recover so much.
Not all older adults experience serious memory loss. However, some may develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Cognitive decline can completely change how a senior processes emotions and interacts with the world. A typically cautious person might start taking risky actions. A patient person might become snappy and short-tempered.
These changes are the result of a brain disorder. Families should approach developments such as these with empathy instead of frustration.
Supporting Senior Mental Wellness
Families play a critical role in supporting the mental wellness of aging loved ones. Here are some practical strategies to maintain their emotional health:
- Encourage social engagement
- Promote physical activity
- Provide routine and structure
- Ensure access to mental health care
- Monitor for red flags
Loneliness and isolation contribute to depression and anxiety in seniors. Gentle exercises such as walking or yoga can improve mood and brain function. Senior living communities often come with access to fitness classes.
A predictable environment helps to reduce anxiety. Therapy and counseling help when things get overwhelming.
Take note of sudden behavioral changes and reach out to professionals if necessary.
When to Seek Help
It can be difficult to know when a personality change is a sign of something serious. Families should seek help when:
- Changes interfere with daily living
- The senior poses a risk to themselves or others
- There is a marked shift from their previous personality
- Hallucinations and delusions become evident
- Emotional reactions are extreme or disproportionate
Severe memory loss is a major sign of cognitive decline. It could signal anything from head trauma to the development of dementia.
In these cases, they should get a comprehensive evaluation by a geriatric specialist or neurologist. They can provide clarity and guide the next steps.
Watch for Personality Changes With Age
It’s completely normal for a person to have personality changes with age. Seniors may grow more patient or care less about minor concerns. Too much change in personality may be a sign of something more serious.
SummerHouse Ashton Manor provides senior living in the Luling, LA area. Our residents have access to both assisted living and memory care, as well as an abundance of premium amenities. Reach out to learn more about our community and to schedule a visit.
