There’s an age-old saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

Now, I don’t buy into that completely, but it does hint at a truth we sometimes see in people as they age.

Some individuals, as they grow older, become more set in their ways and less open to new ideas. They become more stubborn and close-minded.

Why does this happen? Well, there are various reasons and they manifest themselves as specific traits. And that’s what I want to delve into today.

In this article, I’ll be discussing 8 traits of people who seem to get more stubborn and closed-minded with age.

This isn’t me passing judgement or saying that all older folks are like this.

Not at all! It’s just an observation and a conversation starter, a chance for us to understand each other better and maybe work towards being more open-minded ourselves.

So sit back, read on, and let’s explore this together.

1) Resistance to change

It’s a human tendency to gravitate towards stability and routine as we age.

But for some people, this preference for the familiar evolves into a hard-set resistance to change.

They may start to view any deviation from their routine or established ways as a threat, causing them to dig their heels in deeper.

This resistance can manifest in various ways – from refusing to adopt new technology, to vehemently opposing new ideas or perspectives.

It’s not that they’re inherently stubborn or close-minded.

Often, it’s simply a reaction to feeling overwhelmed by the constant flux of our modern world.

It could also be a defensive response, a means of maintaining control in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable.

Understanding this trait is the first step towards breaking down barriers and opening up lines of communication.

As with any form of resistance, it’s crucial to approach with empathy and patience.

After all, we all have our comfort zones – some are just more rigid than others.

2) Reliance on past experiences

I’ve seen this trait in my own life, specifically with my grandfather.

As he got older, his experiences from the past seemed to dictate his present actions and decisions more and more.

My grandfather was a man of routine and order.

He had a set way of doing things, and he believed that his methods were the most efficient because they were tried and tested.

From his morning coffee ritual to his Sunday newspaper reading, everything had a specific order.

But this reliance on past experiences didn’t just extend to his daily routines. It also influenced his perspective on broader issues.

He would often dismiss new ideas or trends outright, stating that things were better ‘in his day.’

While it’s true that experience is a great teacher, this trait can sometimes limit growth and openness to new ideas.

It’s important to learn from our past, but it’s equally crucial to remain open to new experiences and perspectives.

After all, life is a constant journey of learning and growth.

3) Fear of the unfamiliar

As we age, our brains naturally become less adaptable.

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections, decreases over time.

This can make new experiences or ideas seem more intimidating or challenging to grasp.

This physiological change can lead to a heightened fear of the unfamiliar.

The unknown can seem daunting and overwhelming, leading individuals to retreat into their comfort zones.

This fear can make them appear more stubborn or close-minded, as they may be less willing to explore new ideas or experiences.

Understanding this natural change can help us approach these individuals with more empathy and patience.

It’s not about labeling them as ‘stubborn’ but recognizing that their reluctance might be rooted in a deeper, subconscious fear.

4) Over-reliance on personal beliefs

Sometimes, as individuals age, their personal beliefs and opinions become more entrenched.

These beliefs could be rooted in their cultural upbringing, their personal experiences, or even their professional background.

This over-reliance on personal beliefs often leads to a more rigid worldview.

They may find it difficult to entertain alternative perspectives or consider new information that challenges their established beliefs.

It’s not necessarily a conscious choice to shut out differing viewpoints.

It’s more of a defense mechanism, a way to protect deeply-held convictions from being questioned or invalidated.

It’s not about changing their beliefs but about fostering an environment where diverse opinions can coexist.

After all, diversity of thought is what enriches our conversations and broadens our understanding of the world around us.

5) Emotional attachment to the past

Aging brings a sense of nostalgia, a longing for the ‘good old days’.

This emotional attachment to the past can sometimes make individuals more resistant to embracing the present or future.

It’s more than just preferring older music or reminiscing about past events.

It’s an emotional anchor, a safe harbor that offers comfort and familiarity amidst the changing tides of life.

This attachment can sometimes manifest as stubbornness or close-mindedness.

But it’s important to remember that it’s often rooted in sentimentality, not obstinacy.

Understanding this emotional connection can help us approach these individuals with kindness and empathy.

We can honor their past while gently encouraging them to stay engaged with the present and remain open to the future.

Because life, with all its constant changes, still has so much to offer.

6) Desire for self-preservation

A few years back, I noticed a change in my mother. She started to become more cautious and less willing to try new things.

At first, I didn’t understand why. But then I realized it was her way of protecting herself.

As we age, the world can seem like a more precarious place.

This increasing sense of vulnerability can lead to a heightened desire for self-preservation.

This can often come across as stubbornness or close-mindedness, but it’s really just a protective mechanism.

They may resist new ideas or changes because they perceive them as risks or threats to their safety or well-being.

It’s not about being difficult; it’s about feeling secure in an increasingly uncertain world.

Approaching these individuals with understanding and reassurance can go a long way in helping them feel safe and supported, while gently encouraging them to embrace new experiences and ideas.

7) Loss of flexibility

As people age, they often lose a degree of physical and mental flexibility.

This isn’t just about not being able to touch their toes or solve complex puzzles as quickly.

The loss of flexibility can also impact their willingness to bend and adapt to new situations or ideas.

This can lead to a certain level of stubbornness or close-mindedness.

They might resist changes or new concepts simply because they feel more comfortable sticking with what they know and understand.

But remember, this isn’t necessarily a deliberate choice. It’s often an unconscious reaction to the changes they’re experiencing.

Patience, understanding, and gentle encouragement can help them stretch their comfort zones and embrace new perspectives.

8) Need for control

At the heart of it all, the need for control is a significant factor that contributes to increasing stubbornness and close-mindedness with age.

As people get older, many aspects of life start to feel less within their control.

Health issues may arise, friends and family may pass away or move on, and the world around them changes rapidly.

This loss of control can be incredibly challenging.

To compensate, individuals often cling to what they can control – their routines, their beliefs, their decisions.

This can often come off as stubbornness or close-mindedness.

It’s crucial to understand that this is not about being difficult or unwilling to change.

It’s about maintaining a sense of agency and autonomy in a world that may seem increasingly unpredictable.

Empathy, patience, and gentle encouragement can go a long way in helping them navigate this challenging stage of life.

Final thoughts: It’s all part of the journey

As we navigate the complex tapestry of human behavior, it’s worth remembering that growing older brings about various changes, many of which are beyond our control.

These changes can manifest as increased stubbornness and close-mindedness.

But at their core, these traits often stem from deep-seated emotions and experiences – a longing for familiarity, a need for control, a desire for self-preservation.

It’s not about labeling or judging older individuals as ‘stubborn’ or ‘close-minded.’

It’s about understanding the underlying reasons for their behavior and approaching them with empathy and patience.

Aging is a journey that we are all on. And just as every journey has its challenges, it also has its unique beauty and wisdom.

As we embrace the complexities of this journey, let’s strive to foster understanding, patience, and kindness towards ourselves and others.

After all, every stage of life has its lessons to teach us – if only we’re open to learning.