It’s quite an intriguing phenomenon how our political beliefs tend to shift as we age.

Often, without even realizing it, we find ourselves adopting more conservative views.

The fascinating part?

It’s not just about politics.

It’s a shift in behaviors and attitudes that subtly nudges us toward conservatism.

As Jeanette Brown, the creator of Reset Your Life Compass and a seasoned Life Transition Coach, I’ve recognized this pattern in many people I’ve worked with.

They’re not consciously changing their political leanings; it’s more of an organic shift that happens as they age.

So, what are these behaviors?

Let’s delve into the 8 typical patterns often adopted by those who become more conservative as they get older – and they often don’t even realize they’re doing it!

1) Embracing tradition over novelty

It’s often said that with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom, a certain fondness for the tried and true.

As we get older, we tend to appreciate stability more.

We start to find comfort in the familiar, in traditions, and in sticking to what has proven to work in the past.

This is a classic trait adopted by those leaning towards conservatism.

This doesn’t mean we resist change altogether.

On the contrary, we acknowledge change as an inevitable part of life.

But we approach it with more caution, taking time to consider how it aligns with our established beliefs and values.

The key here is balance.

Yes, traditions can provide a sense of security and continuity.

But it’s equally crucial to keep an open mind and embrace new ideas and experiences.

After all, navigating change successfully is an integral part of leading a fulfilling life.

Adopting a more conservative approach doesn’t mean becoming rigid or closed off.

It’s about holding on to what’s important while still allowing room for growth and evolution.

2) A deeper understanding of personal values

In our younger years, we often find ourselves experimenting and exploring different paths.

But as we age, we tend to solidify our beliefs and become more aware of our core values.

As a Life Transition Coach, I’ve seen this shift in many of my clients.

There’s a certain clarity that comes with age that allows us to better understand who we are and what we stand for.

This self-awareness often aligns with a more conservative approach to life.

Consider the words of renowned psychologist Carl Jung: “Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.”

Understanding yourself, your strengths, your weaknesses, and most importantly, your values is crucial in navigating life’s challenges.

To help you on this journey of self-discovery and understanding, I’ve created a tool called the Defining Your Values Exercise.

It’s designed to guide you in identifying your core values and understanding how they influence your decisions and actions.

The path to becoming more conservative isn’t about closing doors; it’s about focusing on what truly matters to you.

3) Setting meaningful and conservative goals

As we grow older and become more conservative, our goals often reflect this change.

They become less about chasing fleeting passions and more about establishing long-term stability and success.

This isn’t to say that ambition diminishes with age.

Rather, the focus shifts from quantity to quality.

Goals become less about how much we can do or how fast we can do it, and more about what truly brings us satisfaction and fulfillment.

It’s about creating a stable foundation for ourselves and our loved ones.

It’s about setting goals that align with our core values and provide a sense of purpose.

This leaning towards conservative goal setting doesn’t come from a place of fear or restriction.

It’s born out of a deeper understanding of ourselves and what we want our lives to stand for.

It’s raw, it’s honest, and it reflects the wisdom that comes with age.

Setting meaningful goals is not just about reaching an end point.

It’s about the journey, the growth, and the person we become along the way.

Research supports this shift in goal orientation with age.

A study published in Motivation and Emotion found that older adults tend to prioritize maintenance and loss avoidance over growth-oriented goals, reflecting a focus on long-term stability and quality of life.

4) Taking the helm: Steering your life’s direction

As we age and our views become more conservative, we often feel a stronger urge to take control and steer the direction of our lives.

It’s an undeniable truth — we have a finite amount of time on this planet, and as we grow older, the need to make our time count become more evident.

You start to realize that life isn’t just something that happens to you.

You’re not a passive participant but an active driver in your journey.

You begin to align your decisions with your values, setting boundaries, and making choices that steer you towards your desired destination.

This isn’t about resisting change or clinging onto the past.

It’s about embracing your ability to shape your future.

Acknowledging this power can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly liberating.

It’s a raw and honest approach to life that comes naturally with age and conservatism.

You begin to understand that the course of your life is largely determined by the choices you make, and you’re ready to take the helm and navigate towards a future that aligns with your values and goals.

5) The power of journaling

As we move through life, particularly as we age and our perspectives become more conservative, one of the most powerful tools we can utilize is journaling.

Journaling is more than just jotting down thoughts.

It’s a form of self-reflection that allows us to connect with our inner selves, understand our emotions, and map out our goals.

It provides a safe space to explore our thoughts and feelings and gain clarity about our desires and values.

It’s remarkable how writing can lead to enlightenment.

You start to see patterns, understand behaviors and beliefs, and gradually, you can direct your life in a more meaningful way.

To further guide you on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth, I’ve created a course called Reset Your Life Compass.

It’s designed to help you align with your core values, set meaningful goals, and create a fulfilling life.

Remember, journaling isn’t just about recording your thoughts.

It’s about understanding yourself better so that you can make informed decisions and steer your life in the direction you truly want it to go.

6) Successfully changing habits

As our views shift with age and we adopt more conservative attitudes, our habits tend to follow suit.

We start to recognize the power of consistency and the impact of our daily actions on our overall quality of life.

Successfully changing habits isn’t about sudden, drastic alterations.

Research from McGill University supports this approach, emphasizing that while smaller changes may not always be immediately noticeable, their impact over months and years can be significant.

It’s about making small, consistent changes that align with our values and goals.

It’s about replacing unproductive patterns with healthier ones that contribute positively to our lives.

Whether it’s adopting a regular exercise routine, improving our dietary choices, or setting aside time for self-reflection and personal growth – these habit changes can significantly enhance our lives.

7) Seeking meaning and purpose

As we age and our perspectives become more conservative, there’s often a growing desire to identify and pursue what truly gives our lives meaning and purpose.

We start to realize that life isn’t just about passing moments but about the legacy we leave behind.

This journey towards finding meaning isn’t always straightforward.

It can be challenging, filled with self-doubt and confusion.

But it’s also incredibly rewarding.

As the great Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

Finding your purpose can transform your life in profound ways, leading to greater satisfaction, happiness, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

It’s about understanding what truly matters to you and aligning your actions with those values.

If you’re searching for your purpose or need guidance on this journey, I encourage you to watch my video on Tips for finding your purpose in life.

It offers practical advice and strategies to help you navigate this critical aspect of life.

Finding your purpose isn’t a destination.

It’s an ongoing journey of self-discovery that can make your life more meaningful and rewarding.

8) Living authentically: The conservative paradox

Here’s something that might sound counterintuitive: As we grow older and become more conservative, we often become more authentic in the way we live our lives.

With age, we tend to shed the societal pressures of conforming and start embracing who we genuinely are.

We become less interested in what others think of us and more focused on living in alignment with our values and beliefs.

This might seem paradoxical, given that conservatism is often associated with traditional norms and values.

But it’s about understanding and accepting that living authentically does not mean rejecting all forms of convention.

Instead, it’s about choosing the norms and values that resonate with us personally.

Living authentically isn’t about rebellion or non-conformity for its own sake.

It’s about being true to ourselves, even if that means aligning with more conservative perspectives.

Research indicates that as individuals age, they tend to adopt more conservative values, which in turn influences their goal-setting behaviors.

Remember, these behaviors are not rigid rules but rather patterns that many of us naturally adopt as we navigate through life’s journey.

Embrace them as part of your growth and personal evolution.

If you’re looking for guidance on this journey, I invite you to explore my course, Reset Your Life Compass.

It’s designed to help you align with your values, set meaningful goals, and create a fulfilling life.