Growing older is a funny thing, isn’t it?

It can feel like a gradual climb up a mountain, or sometimes, more like a swift rollercoaster ride.

One thing is for sure: it’s an adventure that keeps us on our toes.

Some folks might tell you that as we age, we become more rigid, less open to new ideas, resistant to change. But I’ve seen a different story unfold.

I’ve watched as people ripen with age, not just in years but in wisdom and resilience. They remain open to new experiences, flexible in their thoughts and actions.

I’ve noticed that these people usually have a few common strengths under their belts.

In this article, we dive into the 8 strengths usually found in people who stay flexible and open to change as they get older. It’s quite an enlightening journey, let me tell you.

1) They embrace uncertainty

Embracing uncertainty can be a challenging thing to do, right?

But let’s be honest. It’s part and parcel of life.

The people I’ve seen who stay flexible and open as they age have developed a knack for this. They’ve learned to take the unpredictability of life in stride.

Rather than resisting change or fearing the unknown, they see it as an opportunity. A new adventure waiting just around the corner.

They know that trying to control everything is futile and exhausting. Instead, they allow life to unfold, trusting their ability to adapt and respond effectively.

Their strength lies in their ability to embrace uncertainty, which is a testament to their resilience and flexibility. This doesn’t mean they throw caution to the wind, but rather, they have a healthy acceptance of life’s inherent unpredictability.

And you know what? This openness gives them a sense of freedom and peace that truly enriches their ageing journey.

In embracing uncertainty, they also don’t hold onto their hopes and plans…

2) They’ve mastered the art of letting go

Let me tell you a story. I used to be a bit of a hoarder, not just of things but of emotions, grudges and even past experiences.

I held on to everything, thinking that was the way to control my life.

But here’s what I’ve learned from these flexible folks: when you’re holding on too tightly to the past or even the present, you’re closing your hands, your mind, and your heart to the future.

I’ve seen that those who age gracefully have this brilliant ability to let go. They release the things that no longer serve them – the outdated beliefs, the toxic relationships, the grudges that are weighing them down.

And it’s not easy, trust me. Letting go takes courage and strength. But the freedom it brings! It’s like shedding a heavy coat you didn’t even know you were wearing.

They’ve taught me that mastering the art of letting go is liberating. It frees up space for change, for new experiences and opportunities.

Now, I make it a point to regularly declutter my life – both physically and emotionally. It’s refreshingly empowering and makes room for so much more, including lighthearted positivity…

3) They cultivate a positive mindset

I’ve always been a bit of a glass-half-empty kind of person. I used to find it easier to focus on the negatives and wallow in self-pity when things didn’t go as planned. But then, I met someone who changed my perspective.

Her name is Martha, a lively 75-year-old with a contagious laugh and eyes that danced with optimism. She embodied positivity and flexibility like nobody else I knew.

Martha had her share of life’s hardships – she lost her husband early, battled cancer, and faced financial issues. But you know what? She never let these challenges pull her down.

Instead, she chose to focus on the silver linings. She celebrated her victories, no matter how small, and always had a kind word or a positive thought to share. She was open to change and embraced every twist and turn life threw at her with grace.

Witnessing her resilience and positivity, I began to realize the impact of mindset on our lives.

I started working on shifting my focus from what’s wrong to what’s right, from what I lack to what I have. And boy, did it make a difference!

I’ve come to understand that people who remain flexible and open to change as they age have this incredible strength of cultivating a positive mindset. It’s not about ignoring the negatives but rather choosing to focus on the positives. And that makes all the difference.

And what a better way to count your blessings than through the practice of gratitude? 

4) They practice gratitude

Many of the elders I’ve come across had one thing in common: they retained the unique capability of being grateful for even the smallest things. 

No matter what life throws at them, they always express thanks for the simple things like waking up in the morning, the rain that waters their crops, or the community that supports them.

The wise and flexible individuals I’ve been fortunate to know, they too have this profound sense of gratitude, and it’s not just a once-in-a-while kind of thing.

They make it a point to acknowledge the good in their lives regularly. Even on tough days, they manage to find at least one thing to be thankful for.

This simple practice of gratitude has a powerful effect. It shifts their focus from what’s missing or changing in their lives to what’s present and constant.

It gives them a sense of contentment and peace which makes them more open to life’s ebb and flow.

So yes, practicing gratitude isn’t just a feel-good activity. It’s a strength that helps people stay flexible and open to change as they age.

5) They keep learning

I once met this wonderfully energetic 80-year-old man named George.

George had a peculiar habit – he loved learning new things. He was always reading, attending seminars, or taking online courses. He was like a sponge, soaking up knowledge with an enthusiasm that was truly infectious.

Now, you might think, why would an 80-year-old man need to keep learning? But for George, it wasn’t about need. It was about want.

He believed that learning kept his mind sharp and his spirit young. It made him more adaptable, helping him navigate changes with ease.

And you know what? Science backs George up on this! Studies show that lifelong learning can contribute to a healthier and longer life.

This continuous quest for knowledge, this insatiable curiosity, is a common strength among people who remain open and flexible as they age. They understand that learning isn’t confined to the walls of a classroom or a certain period in life.

Learning is a lifelong journey, and they’re more than happy to stay on that path, no matter where it leads.

6) They practice mindfulness

One day, I found myself sitting next to a lady named Ruth at a local coffee shop.

She was in her late 70s, but you wouldn’t guess it from her vibrant energy. We got talking, and she shared her secret to staying open and flexible – mindfulness.

Ruth explained how she practiced being present in the moment, fully engaged in whatever she was doing. Whether she was sipping her coffee, reading a book, or having a conversation, she gave it her full attention.

This practice of mindfulness, she said, kept her grounded. It helped her stay connected with herself and the world around her. It made her more receptive to change because she was not stuck in the past or anxious about the future.

I tried following Ruth’s advice, and I have to say, it’s been a game-changer! Being mindful has helped me appreciate the present moment more. It’s made me more aware of my thoughts and feelings, helping me navigate changes with more ease.

People who remain flexible and open to change as they age often practice mindfulness. It’s a strength that keeps them rooted in the present while staying open to whatever comes next.

7) They stay connected

There’s a man in my neighborhood, a sprightly octogenarian named Jack.

Jack is one of those people who knows everyone and has a story to share about each one. He’s always out and about, making connections, building relationships.

And it’s not just about being sociable. Jack believes that these connections, these relationships, keep him young at heart. They expose him to different perspectives, new ideas, and diverse experiences. They keep him tuned into the world around him, making him more adaptable to change.

It got me thinking. We often underestimate the power of staying connected, don’t we? We get so caught up in our lives that we forget the importance of community.

People who remain flexible and open to change as they age understand this. They value their relationships and actively nurture them. They stay connected not just with people their age but with younger generations too.

This intergenerational exchange keeps them in touch with the changing world, equipping them with the perspective and flexibility needed to adapt to life’s ever-evolving dance.

So yes, staying connected isn’t merely about having a social life. It’s a strength that fosters openness and adaptability as we age.

8) They embrace self-compassion

Let me introduce you to my friend, Lily. She’s in her 60s and one of the most flexible people I know. But it wasn’t always this way.

Lily used to be incredibly hard on herself, always pushing to be perfect, always beating herself up over mistakes. But as she got older, she realized this was holding her back, making her resistant to change.

So, she decided to change her approach. She started practicing self-compassion.

Rather than criticizing herself for every misstep, she started treating herself with kindness and understanding. She gave herself the same grace that she extended to others.

And you know what happened? Lily became more open to new experiences, more adaptable to change.

She realized that it’s okay not to have all the answers, it’s okay to make mistakes. What matters is how she responds to these situations – with kindness, not judgment.

From observing Lily, I learned that people who remain flexible and open to change as they age often practice self-compassion. It’s a strength that not only nurtures their self-esteem but also fosters resilience and flexibility.

So here’s the thing: Be kind to yourself as you navigate life’s inevitable changes. It’s one of the greatest strengths you can cultivate as you age.

The final thought

The journey of life, with all its twists and turns, is a constant dance of change and adaptation. Staying flexible and open as we age is not just about going with the flow, it’s about embracing new experiences, cultivating resilience, and growing from each encounter.

Each of these eight strengths – embracing uncertainty, letting go, cultivating a positive mindset, practicing gratitude, embracing lifelong learning, practicing mindfulness, staying connected, and embracing self-compassion – aren’t just traits. They’re choices we make every day.

If you see these strengths in yourself or others around you, that’s a testament to the power of staying open and adaptable in the face of life’s constant changes.

But if you don’t see them yet, don’t worry. It’s never too late to start. Remember the story of Lily? She turned her life around by choosing self-compassion over self-criticism. You can too.

Begin with small steps. Maybe you could try practicing gratitude or learning something new. Or perhaps you could work on becoming more mindful or letting go of things that no longer serve you.

As Mary Oliver said, “To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.” So pay attention to these strengths. Nurture them. Grow them.

And as you do, take comfort in knowing that with each step you take, you’re becoming more open and adaptable to whatever life brings your way.