Getting older often brings about a change in our perspectives and attitudes.

I’ve noticed that as some people age, they tend to become more patient and tolerant.

I’m sure you’re wondering how they manage this transformation.

Well, it’s not magic or some secret potion.

They simply adopt certain behaviors that support their growth in patience and tolerance.

Curious about what these behaviors are?

In this article, we’ll explore the 9 behaviors commonly adopted by those who become more patient and tolerant with age.

Keep reading if you’re ready for a sneak peek into the wisdom that comes with aging.

1) They practice mindfulness

As people grow older, they often recognize the importance of being more present and aware in their daily lives.

This is where mindfulness comes into play.

Mindfulness is the practice of actively focusing on the present moment, acknowledging and accepting feelings, thoughts, and sensations without judgment.

It’s a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.

Why is it so crucial for patience and tolerance?

Well, being mindful allows people to react to situations in a more thoughtful way.

Instead of letting emotions take control, they can step back, observe the situation objectively, and respond appropriately.

The beauty of mindfulness is that it can be practiced anytime, anywhere.

And the more you practice it, the more patient and tolerant you become over time.

Remember, patience and tolerance are not traits that suddenly appear as we age – they are skills that can be developed with consistent practice and mindfulness is a great place to start.

2) They embrace change

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to understand that change isn’t something to fear, but rather something to embrace.

I remember a time when I used to dread any form of change.

It could be as simple as a change of plans for the weekend or as significant as moving to a new city.

The thought of stepping out of my comfort zone was nerve-racking.

However, over time, I’ve learned that change is inevitable.

Instead of resisting it, I began to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

I started to approach changes with an open mind and a positive attitude.

One particular instance that stands out was when my daughter announced she would be moving overseas for her studies.

Initially, the news made me anxious and worried.

But then I realized this was an opportunity for her growth and independence.

It was also a chance for me to develop my own resilience and adaptability.

Embracing change doesn’t mean you won’t feel uncomfortable or anxious at times.

It simply means acknowledging those feelings and choosing to move forward anyway.

This mindset has definitely made me more patient and tolerant as I navigate the ups and downs of life.

3) They cultivate gratitude

Cultivating a gratitude habit is another behavior commonly seen in those who become more patient and tolerant with age.

Gratitude, the practice of recognizing and appreciating the good things in life, has been linked to many benefits, like improved mental health and increased happiness.

A study found that participants who wrote down things they were grateful for each week were more optimistic about their lives compared to those who didn’t.

You see, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong or what we don’t have.

But focusing on what we do have can shift our perspective and help us become more patient and understanding.

Simple practices like keeping a gratitude journal or verbally expressing thanks can foster a deeper sense of patience and tolerance, not just towards others but also towards the uncertainties of life.

4) They adopt a learner’s mindset

As the years roll by, the world keeps on spinning, and our thirst for knowledge should never run dry.

Those who cultivate patience and tolerance with age often embrace what’s known as a learner’s mindset.

A learner’s mindset is all about keeping the doors of curiosity wide open, ready to welcome new experiences and insights.

It’s about being unafraid to ask questions, to admit when you’re in the dark, and to learn from your stumbles along the way.

This outlook breeds patience by fostering understanding—seeing others falter or seek answers becomes a chance for empathy, not frustration.

And it nurtures tolerance by encouraging an open mind towards diverse perspectives and fresh ideas.

5) They practice deep listening

You know what’s another trick folks pick up as they age like fine wine? Deep listening—yeah, it’s a thing!

But hold up! Deep listening is more than just hearing what someone is saying.

It’s about being fully present in the conversation, setting aside distractions, and making a genuine effort to understand the other person’s perspective.

This involves not just listening to their words, but also paying attention to their body language, tone of voice, and emotions.

And you know what?

This practice can lead to better understanding and empathy, which in turn can foster patience and tolerance.  

6) They let go of grudges

Grudges? They’re like lugging around a suitcase packed with negativity—it’s exhausting, right?

But as we grow wiser, we start realizing the power of dropping that baggage.

Now, here’s the thing: letting go isn’t about sweeping past hurts under the rug. It’s a conscious choice to reclaim peace over bitterness.

Because holding onto grudges? It’s like poisoning our own well-being and chaining ourselves to the past.

By releasing these grudges, we open ourselves up to forgiveness, healing, and growth.

We free ourselves from the chains of the past and make room for more positive experiences and relationships in our lives.

That’s not all.

Letting go of grudges also fosters patience and tolerance.

We become more understanding of others’ mistakes, knowing that everyone is human and capable of errors.

And in this understanding, we find a deeper sense of peace and patience.

7) They value connection over being right

Once, I found myself in a heated argument with a close friend.

We both had strong convictions about our views and neither of us was willing to back down.

This disagreement strained our friendship for weeks.

With time, I realized that the need to be right was overshadowing the value of our friendship.

It wasn’t about who won the argument but about maintaining the relationship we had built over the years.

I learned that sometimes, it’s better to prioritize connection over being right.

It’s about understanding that everyone has different perspectives and that’s okay.

It’s not about proving a point but about respecting each other’s viewpoints.

This shift in perspective has helped me become more patient and tolerant.

I’ve learned to listen, understand, and accept differing opinions instead of insisting on my own.

This doesn’t mean I compromise on my beliefs, but I’ve learned to express them in a way that respects and values the other person’s viewpoint.

8) They practice self-care

Taking care of your own physical, emotional, and mental well-being is crucial to becoming more patient and tolerant.

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

Self-care can take many forms – eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, ensuring you get enough sleep, or taking time to relax and do things you enjoy.

It’s about recognizing your own needs and taking steps to meet them.

When we neglect our own well-being, we can become stressed, irritable, and less able to handle life’s challenges patiently and tolerantly.

Conversely, when we take care of ourselves, we are better equipped to deal with life’s ups and downs, leading to increased patience and tolerance.

So remember to take time for yourself.

It will not only benefit you but also those around you.

9) They choose to be kind

At the end of the day, patience and tolerance boil down to a conscious choice to be kind.

Kindness doesn’t mean being a pushover or avoiding conflict.

It’s about treating others with respect and understanding, even when it’s difficult.

Choosing kindness means taking a moment to understand someone else’s perspective before reacting.

It means offering a helping hand when you can, or a sympathetic ear when you can’t. It means treating others the way you’d like to be treated.

In essence, every interaction is an opportunity to practice patience and tolerance.

And choosing to be kind can make a world of difference, not just in your own life, but in the lives of those around you as well.

Final thoughts: It’s all about growth

The journey of life is a continuous process of growth and learning.

As we age, our worldview expands, our perspectives shift, and we often find ourselves becoming more patient and tolerant.

These changes don’t just happen overnight.

They are rooted in the conscious adoption of behaviors that promote patience and tolerance.

They are nurtured through mindfulness, gratitude, deep listening, and a commitment to personal growth.

Whether it’s choosing to be kind even in challenging situations, letting go of grudges that hold us back, or embracing change as an opportunity for growth, each step brings us closer to becoming more patient and tolerant.

Remember, every day is an opportunity to grow.

Every interaction is a chance to practice patience and tolerance.

And every moment is a stepping stone towards becoming the best version of ourselves.