It’s quite an interesting phenomenon: as we age, many of us tend to resist change. It’s not something we plan on, but it just happens.

This resistance often manifests in certain behaviors. Some of these behaviors are so subtle that we don’t even realize we’re exhibiting them.

From my observation, and being an old hand in helping people communicate better, I’ve noticed seven behaviors in particular that pop up time and again.

In this piece, I’m going to shed some light on these seven behaviors that show you’ve become closed off to change – without you even realizing it. So stick around, you might just learn something about yourself!

1) They reminisce more than they plan

As we age, it’s natural to look back on our lives, reliving past memories and experiences. It’s a way of reflecting on the journey we’ve been on, the choices we’ve made, and the people who have shaped us.

But here’s the interesting part: when people start becoming resistant to change, they don’t just reminisce. They start living in the past.

That’s right. They speak more about their past experiences than they do about their future plans or ambitions. The world around them may be changing, but they’re still stuck in their ‘glory days’.

It’s not that planning for the future or embracing change becomes unimportant to them. It’s just that the comfort of the past becomes too alluring to resist.

And before they know it, they’re exhibiting the first behavior of someone who’s become closed off to change without even realizing it. The key here is balance – it’s perfectly fine to look back at your past, but don’t forget to look forward and plan for your future too!

2) They avoid technology

I’ll be honest, I’ve seen this in my own life recently.

My father, a spry man in his seventies, has always been adventurous. He was the first in our family to own a computer, and he even taught me how to use the internet.

But lately, he’s been avoiding modern technology. The other day, I noticed him struggling to use his new smartphone. He seemed frustrated, and when I tried to help him navigate it, he brushed me off and said he preferred his old flip phone.

I didn’t think much of it at first, but then I noticed a pattern. He started resisting using the computer for things he used to enjoy, like reading online news or video calling his grandkids.

It dawned on me then: my father was subtly showing signs of being closed off to change. His resistance to embrace new technology was his way of sticking to what was familiar and comfortable.

Seeing this behavior in someone so close made me realize how easy it is for us to slip into this pattern without even noticing it. It’s a subtle sign, but an important one to keep an eye on.

3) They become set in their ways

Have you ever heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? While certainly not true for all, it does hold some water when it comes to people resisting change as they age.

Interestingly, a study by the American Psychological Association found that people become more resistant to change and less open to new experiences as they get older. This resistance often manifests in people becoming more set in their ways.

They prefer routines and established ways of doing things over trying something new. They like to stick to their tried-and-true methods and are often reluctant to adopt different approaches or techniques.

This behavior is not just about comfort or familiarity. It’s about resisting change and valuing consistency over novelty. It’s a sign that someone is gradually closing themselves off to new experiences and changes, often without realizing it.

4) They resist learning new things

One of the most telling signs of someone becoming resistant to change as they age is their unwillingness to learn new things. This isn’t about acquiring a new hobby or skill, but rather about the openness to broadening one’s knowledge and understanding of the world.

For instance, someone who’s closed off to change might resist learning about new cultures, philosophies, or even current events. They might stick rigidly to their existing beliefs and ideas, showing little interest in exploring different perspectives or challenging their own viewpoints.

This resistance often stems from a fear of the unknown or a desire to maintain a sense of control. However, by refusing to learn and grow, they unintentionally limit their ability to adapt and evolve with the world around them.

Being open to learning is a crucial part of staying flexible and embracing change. So if you find yourself or someone you know resisting new information or experiences, it might be a sign of becoming closed off to change.

5) They avoid taking risks

I remember when I was younger, I loved the thrill of stepping outside my comfort zone. Whether it was trying a new cuisine, embarking on a solo trip, or even starting my own blog, the adrenaline rush of doing something new and unknown was exhilarating.

However, as I’ve grown older, I’ve noticed a shift. The idea of taking risks has become more intimidating than exciting. The comfort of familiarity seems more appealing than the uncertainty of the unknown.

This change in attitude wasn’t immediate, but rather a slow and gradual process. It was only when I found myself turning down an opportunity to speak at a conference – something I would have jumped at a few years ago – that I realized I was avoiding risks.

Risk-taking is often associated with openness to change and new experiences. By avoiding risks, we limit our growth and potential for new experiences. It’s a behavior that subtly indicates resistance to change, even if we don’t realize it at first.

6) They hold onto things

This could be anything from material possessions, past grudges, or even old habits and routines.

For instance, they might resist decluttering their home, holding onto items they no longer need or use. Or they might cling to old routines and ways of doing things, even when there are more efficient or beneficial alternatives available.

This tendency to hold onto things is often driven by a sense of comfort and security in the familiar.

Letting go and embracing something new can feel unsettling and risky. However, this reluctance to let go can hinder personal growth and adaptation to change.

Recognizing this behavior can be an important step towards understanding and addressing resistance to change. Remember, sometimes letting go of the old is a necessary part of welcoming the new.

7) They become overly critical of the new

When someone becomes resistant to change, it’s not uncommon for them to become overly critical of anything new. Whether it’s a new technology, a new idea, or a new way of doing things, they find faults and flaws rather than seeing the potential benefits.

This criticism often stems from a fear or distrust of the unknown. It’s a way of justifying their resistance to change and sticking to what they know and are comfortable with.

However, it’s important to remember that new doesn’t always mean bad. Innovation and progress come from embracing the new and unknown.

So if you find yourself or someone else being overly critical of the new, take a step back and evaluate whether it’s a fear of change that’s driving this behavior.

Final thoughts: It could be a natural process

The complexities of human behavior and attitudes are closely tied to the journey of life itself.

One such complexity is the tendency to resist change as we age. This resistance is not merely a matter of choice or stubbornness; it could be a natural part of growing older.

A study published in the Journal of Gerontology suggests that our brains naturally become more cautious and less receptive to new experiences as we age. This caution, while often beneficial for survival, can also lead us into patterns of resistance and inflexibility.

So, if you find yourself or someone you know displaying these behaviors, remember that it might not be a conscious choice. It could be a subconscious response to aging, an instinctive pull towards safety and familiarity.

But recognizing these behaviors is the first step towards understanding and embracing change. Because, after all, change is not just inevitable; it’s a vital part of growth and evolution.