Isn’t it fascinating how people seem to earn more respect and admiration as they age?

It’s not just about the silver strands or the laugh lines—it’s the way they carry themselves, the depth of wisdom they exude.

I’ve devoted considerable time to pondering this intriguing phenomenon, both in my personal experiences and in my explorations of mindfulness and Buddhism.

What I’ve discerned is a discernible pattern—certain behaviors consistently exhibited by these individuals.

In this article, I’m thrilled to unveil the 8 behaviors that typically accompany the journey to being esteemed and respected with age.

These aren’t arbitrary actions but deliberate choices that wield immense influence over others’ perceptions.

So, settle in, relax, and let’s embark on this enlightening journey together.

Who knows? You might just uncover insights capable of transforming your life.

1) They practice mindfulness

You’ve probably heard the term ‘mindfulness’ being thrown around a lot these days. And for good reason.

Mindfulness isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a profound practice of being fully present, attuned to our thoughts and emotions without becoming ensnared by them.

And here’s the kicker: it’s a skill we can hone over time, one that consistently characterizes those who earn greater appreciation and respect as they age.

The allure of mindfulness lies in its transformative power—it empowers us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. 

Moreover, practicing mindfulness showcases a remarkable level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, traits revered by many.

It signifies an intimate understanding of both oneself and others, paving the way for deeper connections and more meaningful relationships to blossom.

2) They show genuine compassion

Another behavior I’ve noticed in people who earn increasing respect and admiration with age is their ability to show genuine compassion.

Compassion isn’t just about feeling sorry for others, it’s about understanding their pain and wanting to do something about it.

In my journey through mindfulness and Buddhism, this concept has been reiterated time and again.

In fact, the Dalai Lama once said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

Here’s the scoop: it’s not just about being likable—people downright admire compassionate folks.

Compassion isn’t just some shallow nicety; it’s a genuine display of empathy that goes deep.

It’s about stepping into someone else’s shoes, even when it’s tough.

As we mature and gain insight into the world, our well of compassion tends to deepen too.

And let me tell you, that doesn’t go unnoticed. It’s a quality that commands respect and can really up your game in the eyes of others.

3) They embrace impermanence

Here’s the deal: Buddhism lays down some wisdom about impermanence.

It’s all about understanding that everything, I mean everything—our wins, our losses, even life itself—is in a constant state of flux.

Now, those who earn respect and admiration as they age? They’ve got a handle on this concept.

They’re aware that nothing sticks around forever—not the good stuff, not the bad stuff, not even us.

This realization is like a magic potion for stress and anxiety.

By loosening their grip on attachments and outcomes, they find more peace. Plus, they start cherishing the here and now.

Let’s be real, grappling with impermanence isn’t easy. It forces us to face some hard truths.

But it also brings a deep-seated sense of tranquility and acceptance that just commands respect.

4) They live intentionally

 

Living with intentionality is a cornerstone of mindfulness—an active choice to navigate life consciously rather than on autopilot.

Those who command respect and admiration as they age often lead with intention.

They don’t just drift through life; they steer it deliberately, guided by their values and ambitions.

They pause to ponder their decisions, ensuring they align with their long-term vision.

But let’s get real, living with intention is no cakewalk.

It demands constant self-awareness and reflection, owning up to our actions, even when it’s tough.

Yet, it’s precisely this struggle that earns others’ respect.

People admire those who seize the reins of their lives, refusing to be mere passengers in their journey.

5) They practice humility

I’ve observed that individuals who are highly respected as they age often exhibit a sense of humility.

They don’t let their ego get in the way of their relationships or decisions.

Instead, they’re open to other perspectives, and they’re never too proud to learn from others.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into how Buddhism teaches us to tame our ego and live a life of humility.

The ego often gets in the way of genuine connections and meaningful experiences.

It can blind us to our own faults and prevent us from growing.

But when we practice humility, we show that we value others’ input and are willing to evolve.

That’s not to say it’s easy.

It takes strength to admit we don’t have all the answers.

But when we do, we not only grow as individuals, but we also earn the deep respect and appreciation of those around us.

So if you’re aiming for admiration as you age, consider taming your ego and embracing humility.

6) They find contentment in simplicity

Living a simple life is a concept that’s deeply rooted in both mindfulness and Buddhism.

It’s about finding joy and contentment in the small things, rather than constantly striving for more.

I’ve noticed that those who are greatly respected as they age often lead simple lives.

They don’t need extravagant possessions or grand gestures to find happiness.

Instead, they take pleasure in everyday experiences and appreciate what they have.

Let’s be honest, in today’s materialistic society, this behavior is not always easy to adopt.

We’re often encouraged to want more, to strive for bigger and better.

But chasing after these things can leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

Those who find contentment in simplicity show us a different way to live.

They remind us that true happiness doesn’t come from what we own, but from our experiences and relationships.

This ability to appreciate the simple things in life is not only admirable but also incredibly inspiring.

7) They remain curious

People who are deeply respected as they age often possess a sense of curiosity.

They never stop learning and growing, regardless of their age.

In the realm of mindfulness, staying curious is about maintaining a beginner’s mind.

It’s about approaching life with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, much like a child would.

But let’s face it: Keeping this sense of curiosity alive is not always easy.

As we age, it can be tempting to settle into our ways and resist new experiences or ideas.

However, those who manage to maintain their curiosity inspire others around them.

They embody lifelong learning and show us that there is always room for growth.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk, once said, “We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.”

By staying curious, we open ourselves up to these possibilities and inspire great respect and admiration in others.

8) They take time for stillness

In today’s hectic, non-stop world, carving out time for stillness might seem counterintuitive.

Yet, those individuals who garner increasing respect and admiration as they age often prioritize moments of tranquility.

Mindfulness gently nudges us towards the power of stillness—of merely existing in the present without any agenda.

It’s within these serene pauses that we can genuinely connect with ourselves and our surroundings.

Let’s face it, embracing stillness isn’t a walk in the park.

Our minds are usually buzzing with thoughts, concerns, and plans.

The idea of just sitting and being feels downright unnatural.

Nevertheless, it’s those who find solace in stillness who command the utmost respect.

They demonstrate that there’s immense value in slowing down, in embracing the art of simply being.

They serve as a poignant reminder that productivity and worth aren’t solely tied to constant action.

Age with grace: Embrace mindfulness, compassion, and humility!

And there you have it – the 8 behaviors that people who become more appreciated and respected as they grow older usually display.

It’s not about being perfect or achieving great feats.

It’s about being mindful, compassionate, and humble.

It’s about embracing the principles of Buddhism to live a life of intentionality and simplicity.

Of course, adopting these behaviors doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey, one that requires effort and commitment.

But it’s a journey that’s well worth taking.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into these concepts and learning how to apply them to your life, I invite you to check out my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“.

It’s packed with insights and practical tips on how to live a mindful and fulfilling life.

Remember, respect and admiration aren’t about age.

They’re about how we live our lives.

So why not start living yours in a way that earns you the appreciation and respect you deserve?