50 Times Grandpas Were Being Their Cool And Wholesome Selves

Aging is a natural part of life, but it can be a tough pill to swallow as we move into our later years and face changes in our bodies and lifestyles. Studies show that while our self-esteem tends to be at its highest in our 60s, it usually starts to dip in our 70s, making it harder for people to try new things or seek out exciting opportunities. Moreover, some research suggests that younger generations have grown more critical of older adults, raising concerns about how attitudes toward aging might evolve down the road.

To learn more about the difficulties of aging and how to tackle them, Bored Panda spoke with Dr. Francesco Pagnini, a professor of Clinical Psychology at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan and a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard University.

“As with all life transitions,” he explains, “the psychological challenges of aging depend on various factors, including personal, social, familial, economic, and medical aspects. However, some common challenges often arise more frequently than others.”

Many people experience a shift in their sense of identity, particularly when they retire or encounter other major life changes. “Retirement can alter a person’s social role,” says Dr. Pagnini, “potentially leading to a diminished sense of self-worth and purpose, as they may no longer see themselves as meaningful contributors to the community.”

Understandably, medical challenges also become more prominent as we age. Our bones can shrink in size and density, making them more susceptible to fractures, while muscles may lose strength, endurance, and flexibility, affecting coordination. Vision and hearing might deteriorate, and a weakened immune system can leave us more prone to diseases.

“Physical health issues can have a significant psychological impact,” notes Dr. Pagnini, “such as reducing the perceived control one has over their life or increasing feelings of insecurity.” Additionally, people might perceive themselves differently to cope with physical limitations because they can no longer do some of the activities they once enjoyed.

Along with physical difficulties, existential fears can come into play. According to Dr. Pagnini, many people try to avoid thinking about death or their own mortality. However, facing medical challenges, losing loved ones, and becoming more aware of life’s limits can bring about deep psychological struggles as we age. Knowing that life might soon come to an end can also change our sense of time, making it feel like it’s moving faster.

Growing older can also be accompanied by a sense of being disconnected from others. “With age, social circles may shrink due to the loss of friends, reduced mobility, or retirement from social settings, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation,” says Dr. Pagnini.

These sentiments appear to be on the rise. Recent research shows that one in three adults aged 50–80 (34%) report feeling lonely. While this is a big drop from 2020, when 56% felt isolated during the pandemic, it’s still higher than the pre-pandemic level of 27%.