People who begin to lose touch with reality as they get older usually display these 7 behaviors (without realizing it)

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | January 14, 2025, 11:50 pm

As we age, sometimes our grasp on reality can start to slip a bit. It’s a subtle shift that many don’t even realize is happening.

This change isn’t about forgetting your keys or where you parked your car. It’s about a deeper disconnection from the world around us.

Those experiencing this usually exhibit certain behaviors, subtle signs that they’re losing touch with reality. And the interesting thing is, they often don’t even realize it’s happening!

In this article, we’ll explore seven common behaviors that indicate someone might be drifting away from reality. And remember, recognizing these signs is the first step towards understanding and offering help.

1) Unusual forgetfulness

Getting older often comes with a little forgetfulness. However, there’s a big difference between occasionally misplacing your glasses and consistently forgetting important details.

Often, people who are starting to lose touch with reality might forget recent events or conversations. They may repeat themselves frequently or ask the same questions over and over.

Interestingly, these individuals may not even notice their forgetfulness. It’s often up to family members and close friends to spot this behavior.

But remember, occasional memory lapses are normal. It’s when forgetfulness becomes a pattern that it might indicate a deeper issue.

Recognizing this sign can be a crucial first step in seeking help and understanding the situation better.

2) Difficulty following a conversation

When our loved ones start to age, we might notice subtle changes in their ability to keep up with conversations.

I remember noticing this with my grandmother. We used to have these lively discussions about everything under the sun.

But as she got older, I could see her struggling to keep her train of thought. She would often lose track of what we were talking about or misinterpret things I said.

And the thing is, she never realized it was happening. She’d laugh it off, saying she was just a bit tired or distracted.

This shift in conversation ability isn’t just about memory, it’s also a sign that someone might be losing touch with reality. It’s important to catch these changes early for the sake of our loved ones and their quality of life.

3) Confusing times and places

As people age and start to lose touch with reality, their sense of time and place can become distorted. They might forget where they are or incorrectly identify the time of day or even the year.

In some cases, individuals might find themselves in familiar surroundings but struggle to recognize them. This disorientation can be particularly prominent in new or less familiar environments.

This isn’t just a minor inconvenience. According to research, this confusion can increase feelings of anxiety and fear, further exacerbating the sense of disconnection from reality.

Recognizing this behavior is key to providing appropriate support and care.

4) Changes in personality

A person’s personality is usually pretty consistent throughout their life. However, when someone begins to lose touch with reality, it’s not uncommon to see shifts in their personality.

They might begin to act in ways that are out of character. Maybe they were always outgoing and sociable but have become withdrawn and quiet. Or perhaps they were generally patient but have become easily agitated.

These changes can be subtle and gradual, making them difficult to notice at first. But over time, they can become more pronounced and have a significant impact on the individual’s relationships and daily life.

Understanding these changes is crucial for offering the right support and maintaining a strong connection with our loved ones as they navigate this challenging time.

5) Difficulty with simple tasks

I’ve always admired my father’s ability to solve complex puzzles and problems. He was the go-to guy in our family for everything from fixing a leaky faucet to setting up the latest tech gadget.

But as he got older, I noticed a change. Simple tasks that he used to do with ease started to become challenging for him.

He would struggle with everyday activities like using the remote control or preparing his favorite meal.

It was difficult to watch this transformation, especially since he didn’t seem to be aware of his struggles. This shift in ability isn’t just about aging, it’s a sign that someone might be losing touch with reality.

Recognizing it can help us provide the support and patience our loved ones need during this challenging phase of life.

6) Neglecting personal care

Personal hygiene and self-care are routines we carry out daily without much thought. However, when someone starts losing touch with reality, keeping up with these routines can become a challenge.

You might notice that a loved one isn’t taking care of themselves as they used to. They may neglect personal hygiene, forget to take their medications, or stop doing household chores.

This lack of self-care often happens gradually and can be easily missed. However, it’s an important indicator that someone might be struggling with their connection to reality.

Providing gentle reminders or assistance can make a big difference in their daily life and well-being.

7) Increased withdrawal from social activities

One of the most telling signs of someone losing touch with reality is their withdrawal from social activities. They might start avoiding gatherings, losing interest in hobbies, or spending most of their time alone.

This change is more than just a preference for solitude. It’s a sign of a deeper disconnection from reality. And it’s crucial for us to recognize it, not only for their mental health but also for their overall well-being.

Remember, loneliness can exacerbate feelings of disconnection.

So, keeping our loved ones involved in social activities and maintaining strong connections can play a significant role in supporting them during this challenging time.

Final thoughts: It’s about connection

Human behavior is a complex interplay of many factors, and age-related disconnection from reality is no exception.

This phenomenon is not just about forgetfulness or confusion. It’s about losing the thread that ties us to the fabric of our shared reality.

And often, this happens so subtly and slowly that the individual might not even realize it’s happening.

But amidst this complexity, there’s a simple and powerful truth – our connections matter.

Our relationships with our loved ones, our interactions with the world around us – these are the lifelines that can keep us grounded in reality.

When we recognize the signs of someone drifting away, it’s not just about understanding what’s happening. It’s about reaching out, offering support, and strengthening those connections.

In a way, it’s about helping them navigate their way back to reality. And in doing so, we might just find that we’ve strengthened our own connection with them – and with reality itself.

So as we journey through life, let’s remember to keep an eye on those subtle signs, not just in others, but also in ourselves. After all, we’re all in this together.