There’s a curious truth about aging we often overlook.

As we grow older, minor forgetfulness and bouts of absent-mindedness can become a part of our daily lives.

It might feel like these moments sneak up on us, subtly weaving themselves into our routines.

But the interesting part is, they often come hand in hand with certain habits.

Habits that we don’t even realize we’re nurturing.

As Jeanette Brown, the creator of Reset Your Life Compass and a seasoned Life Transition coach, I’ve observed these habits in many people over the years.

So, let’s delve into this together and identify these 8 subtle habits that often accompany an increase in forgetfulness and absent-mindedness as we age. 

1) Resisting change

As we journey through life, one constant is change.

But as we age, our response to change can often shift.

Some people find it harder to adapt to new situations or changes in routine as they get older. This resistance to change can manifest in subtle ways, such as a preference for familiar places, routines, and experiences.

The interesting part is, this resistance can sometimes lead to increased forgetfulness and absent-mindedness. There seems to be a correlation between one’s inability to adapt smoothly to change and an increase in these traits.

Life is all about embracing change and navigating your way towards a more fulfilling experience.

So if you notice a resistance to change creeping into your daily habits, it’s worth paying attention to. It could be a sign that your mind is subtly trying to cope with the pace of life around you.

Just like any habit, recognizing it is the first step towards managing it better. After all, we’re all on this journey together!

2) Losing sight of core values

Over time, we all evolve, but one thing that should remain constant are our core values. These are the fundamental beliefs that guide our actions and decisions.

However, as we age and become more forgetful or absent-minded, we may inadvertently drift from these core values. This shift can be so subtle that we don’t even realize it’s happening.

It’s like the famous quote by Carl Jung, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

It’s important to regularly check in with ourselves and reassess our core values.

Are we living in alignment with them? Or have we lost sight of what truly matters to us?

As a Life Transition coach, I’ve developed an exercise designed to help you define and reconnect with your values. It’s called the Defining Your Values Exercise.

Give it a try! It might just bring some clarity and help you recenter yourself.

3) Lack of meaningful goals

It’s a raw and honest truth that as we age, we may lose sight of our meaningful life goals.

Often, our earlier years are packed with clear objectives – getting an education, building a career, raising a family.

But as we get older and these goals are either achieved or no longer relevant, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of aimlessness. This lack of direction can subtly contribute to forgetfulness and absent-mindedness.

After all, without a clear focus, it’s easy for our thoughts to become scattered and less sharp.

A study published in BMC Psychology found that older adults who engaged in goal-setting interventions experienced improved behavioral adaptability and resilience, suggesting that setting new goals can enhance cognitive function in later life.

So, it’s important to regularly set new, meaningful goals for ourselves, no matter our age.

These goals keep us focused, engaged, and purposeful – key factors in maintaining mental agility.

4) Passive approach to life

It’s a harsh reality, but sometimes as we age, we can gradually start to take a more passive approach to life.

We may begin to feel that life is something that happens to us, rather than something we actively participate in and direct.

This shift in mindset can subtly result in increased forgetfulness and absent-mindedness, as we relinquish control and stop actively engaging with our surroundings.

Taking control of the steering wheel of your life is critical. It keeps you alert, focused, and mentally active.

Whether it’s making plans for the weekend, deciding on a new hobby, or even just choosing what to have for dinner – every decision you make is an exercise for your brain.

5) Not journaling

Journaling is a powerful tool often overlooked by many.

It’s a form of self-reflection that can help us understand ourselves better, set clear goals, and keep track of our progress. But as we age, we may neglect this habit, which can subtly contribute to forgetfulness and absent-mindedness.

Think about it.

When you journal, you’re actively engaging your mind, recalling events, personal feelings, and reflections. It’s a mental exercise that keeps your memory sharp and your mind active.

Furthermore, journaling can be a pathway to living a more fulfilling life. It helps you identify what matters most to you and chart a course to achieve it.

As part of my course, Reset Your Life Compass, I emphasize the importance of journaling as a tool to navigate life’s transitions.

It’s a simple practice that can make a profound difference in your mental agility and overall life satisfaction.

6) Neglecting habit change

The power of habit can’t be overstated.

Our habits shape our days, our years, and ultimately, our lives.

But as we age, we may inadvertently stick to old patterns, even when they’re no longer serving us well. This stagnation can subtly contribute to forgetfulness and absent-mindedness.

Think about it.

When we’re actively working on changing our habits, we’re challenging our minds, learning new patterns, and breaking away from the familiar. This keeps our minds sharp and agile.

A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that engaging in a variety of cognitive, physical, and social activities is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle to preserve mental agility.

However, changing habits isn’t always easy. It takes conscious effort, determination, and often a structured approach. But the rewards are worth it.

By successfully changing our habits, we can pave the way to a better and more fulfilling life.

7) Losing sense of purpose

Here’s a raw truth: as we age, it can be easy to lose our sense of purpose.

Once the hustle and bustle of our early years slow down, we may find ourselves questioning our role and the meaning of our lives.

This lack of purpose can subtly contribute to forgetfulness and absent-mindedness.

As the renowned psychologist Viktor Frankl once said, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how'”.

Having a sense of purpose gives us direction, provides motivation, and helps keep our minds active and engaged.

Reconnecting with your purpose can be a transformative experience. It can reignite your passions, focus your mind, and provide a sense of fulfillment that permeates every aspect of your life.

To help you navigate this journey, I’ve put together some tips on how to find your purpose in life.

You can watch the video here: Tips for finding your purpose in life.

It’s never too late to find or redefine your purpose. Your life is valuable and meaningful, no matter what stage you’re at.

8) Living unauthentically

Here’s a counterintuitive thought: as we age, we may find ourselves living less authentically.

We may start conforming to societal expectations or playing roles that don’t truly resonate with us. This disconnection from our true selves can subtly contribute to forgetfulness and absent-mindedness.

Think about it.

When we’re not living authentically, we’re not fully present or engaged with our lives. Our minds may wander or disconnect, leading to moments of forgetfulness or absent-mindedness.

Living authentically means aligning your actions with your beliefs and values. It means being true to yourself, even if it goes against the grain.

And it’s a key aspect of mental agility and overall life satisfaction.

A 2023 article in Frontiers in Neurology discusses how authenticity, defined as being true to oneself, is directly relevant to brain health, emphasizing that living authentically supports cognitive and emotional well-being.

Remember, authenticity isn’t just about being true to others, it’s about being true to yourself. Embrace your uniqueness and live a life that truly reflects who you are.

Final words

As we’ve explored, subtle habits can often accompany increased forgetfulness and absent-mindedness as we age.

But recognizing these habits is the first step to managing them better.

Whether it’s resisting change, losing sight of our core values, neglecting habit changes or living unauthentically, the power to alter these patterns lies within us.

It’s never too late to redefine your life and steer it in a direction that truly resonates with you.

As a Life Transition coach, I’ve seen the transformative power of conscious change in many people’s lives.

If you’re looking for guidance on this journey, consider enrolling in my course, Reset Your Life Compass.

It’s designed to help you navigate life’s transitions, embrace change, and live a more fulfilling life.