Getting older often brings wisdom, but it can also bring changes in attitude.

For some, the glass seems to become half empty rather than half full as they age.

This shift from optimism to pessimism isn’t just a change in outlook.

It’s often accompanied by specific behaviors that set these individuals apart.

If you’ve noticed a subtle shift in your own attitude or that of someone close to you, you might be curious about these tell-tale signs.

Below, I’ll delve into some of the common behaviors that people who become more pessimistic with age tend to display.

1) They frequently expect the worst

As we age, life tends to throw a few curveballs our way.

For those who shift towards pessimism, these challenges aren’t just bumps in the road – they’re seen as insurmountable obstacles.

This ‘expect the worst’ mentality is a key behavior of older people who have become more pessimistic.

It’s like they’ve developed a mental filter that only lets in negative information.

Before they know it, they start anticipating failure or disaster in every situation, even when evidence suggests otherwise.

This change doesn’t happen just from a single passing thought or occasional worry – we’re all allowed to have those from time to time.

The problem is when it becomes a persistent mindset that colors every decision they make and interaction they have.

But the good news is that recognizing the behavior is the first step towards addressing it – and leading a happier, less stressed life.

2) They tend to generalize one bad experience

It’s human nature to learn from our experiences.

But as I’ve noticed in some older individuals, including a dear friend of mine, they tend to take this a step further.

My friend, let’s call him John, had a bad experience with a home renovation project.

The contractor he hired turned out to be unreliable, causing him much stress and financial loss.

But instead of acknowledging it as one unfortunate incident, John started to generalize this experience.

He began to believe that all contractors were dishonest and all home renovations would lead to trouble.

This tendency to generalize one negative event, projecting it onto future unrelated situations, is another behavior common among those who become more pessimistic with age.

They allow a single bad apple to spoil their view of the whole barrel.

It’s important to remember that while it’s wise to learn from past experiences, each situation, person or event must be evaluated independently. 

3) They don’t take time to enjoy the present

Living in the moment can be a challenge for those who become more pessimistic as they age.

There’s a very logical explanation for this. Nature has wired our brains to focus on threats and negative things – this is how we made sure to stay away from predators and ensure our survival in prehistoric times.

But in the modern day, this has an unfortunate implication for pessimists.

As they find negative things in the world around them, their brain has more and more to dwell on – and no more attention to give to savoring the present moment.  

The sooner you can catch this behavior and shift your mindset, the better.

Because otherwise, you might one day wake up to find that life has passed you by while you were worrying about what could go wrong. 

4) They have low self-esteem

Did you know that there’s a correlation between your self-esteem and your tendency to think pessimistically?

That’s right – research has found that pessimism and low self-esteem are both managed by the same brain hemisphere (the right one).

The more you practice pessimism, the more you tend to reinforce lower self-esteem as well, and vice versa.

Another study showed that low self-esteem was particularly related to a specific type of pessimism.

This is the pessimism that people adopt to try to protect themselves from the disappointment of a failure.

For example, you expect yourself to get a low grade on an exam so that you’re not too upset if it actually does happen. 

This type of pessimism can actually motivate you to work harder in order to avoid the bad outcome you expect – but as you can imagine, it’s also not a very pleasant way to live. 

5) They tend to complain a lot

This is a behavior I’ve identified in a family member of mine.

Every time we get on a call with some other relatives, practically all his contributions are complaints. I didn’t even notice it at first until my parents pointed it out to me.

And I realized that they are totally right.

I tried to look out for even just one positive thing he said, and I couldn’t find one! It’s logical how this leads to pessimism.

You’re basically training your brain to think negatively, and focus on the negative.

What’s worse, you’re actually doing it to all the people who are listening to your complaints too. 

Shifting this focus isn’t easy, but by consciously acknowledging and celebrating positives, it’s possible to combat this pessimistic tendency.

You could try out exercises like maintaining a gratitude journal or practicing positive affirmations.

6) They struggle with change

Change is an inevitable part of life, but for those growing more pessimistic with age, it can be particularly daunting.

Again, I’ve seen this in my own family.

My grandmother, who was once the most adaptable person I knew, started to resist even the smallest changes as she got older.

Moving her favorite chair to the other side of the room or changing her daily routine would cause her distress.

This resistance to change is often rooted in fear – fear of the unknown, fear of losing control, fear of negative outcomes.

It can lead to a rigid mindset that’s resistant to new ideas or experiences.

It’s heartbreaking to see someone you love struggle with change.

But understanding that this may be a sign of increasing pessimism can help guide conversations and actions towards positivity and acceptance.

7) They regularly criticize themselves

Another sign of increasing pessimism in older age is the frequent use of negative self-talk.

This is when individuals consistently talk down to themselves, often harshly criticizing their actions, appearance, or abilities.

I remember a period in my life when I fell into this trap.

I would constantly berate myself for every little mistake, telling myself that I was a failure or that I wasn’t good enough.

It was a draining and demoralizing experience which definitely clouded my outlook on life.

But thankfully, my therapist pointed it out to me and I decided to try to treat myself as I would a dear friend.

After all, I’m the one who spends 24/7 with myself – I better make sure I have a good relationship!

The tricky thing is, changes in a person’s self-image have to start from themselves – nobody would have been able to convince me that I’m a good person if I had not been open to it. 

If you know someone who’s struggling with negative self-talk, try guiding them towards self-compassion and empathy, and they may end up making the change on their own. 

8) They isolate themselves

This is perhaps the most troubling behavior of this whole list: self-isolation.

Over time, certain people may start withdrawing from social activities, preferring to spend time alone rather than engage with others.

This behavior can be a double-edged sword.

While solitude can bring peace, too much isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and further reinforce a pessimistic outlook.

It’s great to have time for yourself and introspect, but human connection is still essential at every stage of life.

That’s why if you notice someone withdrawing from social interactions, it’s important to reach out.

Sometimes, a simple conversation or shared experience can help to break the cycle of negativity.

Final thoughts: It’s about perspective

The complexities of human behavior and attitudes are often grounded in our personal experiences and perceptions.

One such complexity is the gradual shift towards pessimism in some individuals as they age.

It is important to understand that this isn’t merely a personality quirk, but potentially a deep-rooted change in their perspective on life.

Renowned psychologist Albert Bandura has said, “People who believe they have the power to exercise some measure of control over their lives are healthier, more effective and more successful than those who lack faith in their ability to effect changes in their lives.”

Whether it’s through self-reflection, open conversations with loved ones, or seeking professional help, there’s always room for change.

It’s never too late to shift our perspective and embrace a more positive outlook on life.

As we grow older and navigate the hurdles life throws at us, let’s strive not to lose sight of the glimmers of hope and moments of joy that every new day brings.