Do you have that friend who used to be open and adventurous, but now won’t try anything new? Or a family member who clings to old prejudices and won’t be swayed by facts or reason?

Maybe a colleague who resists change at every turn, despite evidence that it’s for the better.

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a psychology enthusiast. And I was bemused to see how some people seemed to become more closed-minded as they aged.

It wasn’t just an observation. I witnessed it in my personal relationships and in various social interactions. It was a frustrating, baffling pattern that made no sense to me.

In this article, I’m going to outline these 7 behaviors. Hopefully, this insight can help you understand this phenomenon better.

Let’s dive right in.

1) Resistance to change

Psychology tells us that as people get older, they tend to cling to familiar routines and ideas. They’ve built a life they’re comfortable with, and any suggestion of change can feel threatening.

This isn’t about being stubborn or inflexible. It’s about the fear of the unknown, the worry that change might disrupt the stability they’ve worked so hard to achieve.

The problem is that this resistance closes off possibilities for growth and learning. It keeps people stuck in their ways, unable to adapt and evolve.

If you recognize this trait in someone you know, or even in yourself, don’t despair. It’s never too late to embrace change. Start small: try a new food, learn a new skill, challenge an old belief.

You might be surprised at how liberating it can be to step out of your comfort zone.

2) Dismissal of different viewpoints

I remember a dinner with a close friend, years older than me, where we found ourselves in a heated debate about climate change. Despite providing numerous scientific studies and evidence, he simply dismissed my arguments, refusing to listen to a viewpoint that challenged his own.

As we grow older, our beliefs and opinions become deeply ingrained. We’ve spent years building our worldview and when someone challenges it, it’s easier to dismiss them than to reevaluate our own beliefs.

However, this dismissal can lead to a narrow perspective and a closed mind. It’s important to remind ourselves that the world is vast and diverse, and there’s always something new to learn if we’re willing to listen.

3) Prioritizing comfort over exploration

I witnessed this with my own aunt. She had always wanted to travel and explore different cultures. But as she got older, she started prioritizing comfort and routine over her once adventurous spirit. She’d often say, “I am too old for that now.”

It was disheartening to see her dismiss her dreams in the name of comfort and familiarity.

It’s understandable to seek comfort as we age, but when it limits our experiences and stifles our curiosity, it may lead to a closed-minded perspective.

Life is a journey of continuous discovery, regardless of our age. It’s never too late to follow your dreams, learn something new or embark on an adventure. So, let’s not let age or comfort zone hold us back from experiencing the world in all its beautiful diversity.

4) Confirmation bias

These people strongly hold onto their views, selectively accepting only the information that supported their opinions, while completely ignoring any facts that contradicted them.

This is known as confirmation bias, a psychological phenomenon where people favor information that confirms their existing beliefs or values.

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that participants were twice as likely to select information that aligns with their preexisting attitudes and beliefs.

This bias can greatly contribute to close-mindedness, as it prevents us from seeing the full picture and considering alternative viewpoints.

To overcome this, we need to actively seek out and consider contradicting evidence, question our assumptions, and be open to revising our beliefs when presented with new information. It’s not an easy task, but it’s a crucial step towards maintaining an open mind.

5) Fear of being wrong

I remember an instance with my older cousin who, when proven wrong in a friendly debate, became defensive and argumentative instead of acknowledging his mistake.

It’s natural to want to be right, but sometimes this desire can overshadow the truth and prevent us from learning.

Admitting we’re wrong can be hard, especially when we’ve held onto certain beliefs for a long time. However, it’s important to remember that being wrong is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.

As we age, we should strive to maintain a learner’s mindset – embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and viewing being wrong as a chance to learn something new. It may not be easy, but it’s a step towards keeping an open mind.

6) Over-reliance on past experiences

My grandmother often said, “I’ve seen it all before” whenever we discussed current events or new social trends. She based her opinions on her past experiences, rather than considering that situations, people, and society can change.

Famous psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” This quote perfectly illustrates how relying only on our past experiences can limit our understanding and prevent us from seeing things from a fresh perspective.

Though our past experiences are valuable, they shouldn’t be the only tool we use to navigate the world. Being open-minded means being receptive to new ideas and experiences, even if they don’t align with our past.

7) Lack of empathy

Often, we think of empathy as something that naturally increases with age and experience. However, I’ve noticed that some people become more set in their ways and less willing to understand others’ perspectives as they get older.

This lack of empathy can lead to close-mindedness, as it limits our ability to appreciate diverse viewpoints and experiences different from our own.

To combat this, try practicing active listening when engaging in conversations. This means fully focusing on the speaker, avoiding interruptions, and responding thoughtfully.

Also, regularly put yourself in situations where you interact with people who are different from you. Understanding the experiences and perspectives of diverse individuals can help broaden your mindset and promote empathy.

Remember, keeping an open mind is a journey, not a destination. It requires continuous reflection, learning, and effort. But the rewards – deeper understanding, enriched relationships, and personal growth – are well worth it.

Conclusion

If you’ve recognized some of these behaviors in yourself or in others, don’t be disheartened. Being aware is the first step towards change.

Remember, it’s never too late to cultivate an open mind. Start by challenging your own beliefs, seeking out diverse perspectives, and embracing the possibility of being wrong.

And most importantly, practice empathy. Try to understand others’ viewpoints, even if they differ from yours. This is not just about agreeing with everyone, but about understanding their perspective.

Keep learning, keep growing, and keep opening your mind. The world is a vast and diverse place – let’s make the most of it.