Perspectives On Aging
Behavioral Styles of the Old
As we grow in years, certain types of behaviors make themselves present or become more prevalent. A few are desirable, but others are not. By becoming aware of them we may find ways to enhance the "good ones" and eliminate or at least diminish the undesirable ones, giving us the comfortable feeling of being in control of them.
In the so-called third stage of life, most if not all people tend to slow down. Our locomotion, our speech and the processing of new information take longer than before. Reflexes become less sharp and attention dwindles. Time seems to go by at a slower pace, at an age where we don't want it to pass unnoticed.
Now it takes longer to arrive at a decision, as often ambivalence gets in the way. This indecisiveness needs to be controlled in its incipient stage before it becomes a habit that is difficult to overcome. When it comes to speech we often become circumstantial, which means getting lost on small unnecessary details making it difficult for the listener to follow our train of thoughts. Many of us also get in the habit of repeating what already has been said, making others lose interest in what we attempt to convey and, in the process, making us feel useless and unimportant.Bringing all these things into conscious awareness will help us spur unto action in order to eliminate or at least diminish them, while at the same time giving us the pleasant feeling of being in control, of having power over them, at a stage of our life when those issues become so important.
Many of us Seniors tend to become irritable and restless at this stage of life. This happens mainly to those who keep fighting for the impossible: the return of youth. But for most it is the opposite that takes place. They now become placid and easygoing, a reflection of the knowledge that they have lived a long and productive life. Now they can enjoy the peace of mind they did not have in the earlier years of work and struggle. They remain active in their communities and useful to others, but also have the time to enjoy the beauties of nature and being spectators of the many follies of modern life. §
Dr. Carlos Muniz is a retired psychiatrist from Gainesville. He may be contacted through the editor at editor@towerpublications.com
