The Psychology of Aging: How Cognitive Changes Influence a Senior’s Lifestyle Options

It’s common to observe physical changes as a loved one ages. Less frequently discussed, however, are the often subtle psychological changes that can occur during aging.

At CityView, we take all aspects of aging into account to provide the highest standard of assisted and independent living for our residents. Below, we discuss a few of the psychological processes that take place during aging and how they can influence a senior’s lifestyle options after retirement.

Attention

As adults age, they may experience a minor decline in their attention skills. Although the ability to concentrate for an extended period is not usually impacted by age, seniors may have greater difficulty with selective attention and multitasking. Older adults are often more easily overwhelmed and distracted by busy situations, requiring greater effort to relax and pay attention. Those experiencing a decline in attention skills often benefit from living at an upscale senior living community that promotes a peaceful, distraction-free lifestyle.

Memory

Age-related memory changes are often associated with memory loss conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. However, these conditions remain relatively rare in seniors, and those with healthy brains can still experience a slight decline in memory function. Healthy older adults may take slightly longer to retrieve information, remember something they were supposed to do, or apply new information to their memory. Though most age-related memory decline is minor, companions and caregivers at a senior living community can provide gentle reminders that help ease daily life for seniors.

Executive Functioning

With age comes a slight decline in executive functioning, a term encompassing the mental skills needed for effective organizing, problem solving, decision-making, abstract thought, and behavior. Aging does not usually cause a significant impairment in these areas, but older adults may not be able to perform them as well as when they were younger. Seniors experiencing a decline in executive functioning tend to do better with a less demanding lifestyle that will allow them to take their time and receive support when needed.

Processing Time

Aging impacts the brain’s ability to quickly absorb and respond to information. A senior may need more time to process information that is coming to them, resulting in minor impairments when performing everyday tasks that require quick reactions. Commonly, aging can affect a senior’s ability to safely drive a car, which requires a strong ability to notice and appropriately respond to sudden changes. As seniors find themselves no longer being able to safely perform these essential tasks, they can greatly benefit from the support provided by loved ones or caregivers at a senior living community while continuing to live on their own terms.

Emotion

Not all psychological processes of aging are negative. Although common stereotypes of aging include increased feelings of grumpiness or depression, this could not be further from the truth for the majority of seniors. In fact, many older adults find themselves becoming more positive and optimistic with age, and they may have a tendency to withdraw from or avoid negative emotional situations. This trait can improve overall brain health, and living in an uplifting environment that fosters a positive outlook allows seniors to take further advantage of it. 

CityView

Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care in Los Angeles

The lifestyle choices you make for yourself or your loved one after retirement can feel demanding, and at CityView, we’re here to help guide you toward the right decision for your family. If you are exploring luxury assisted and independent living in Los Angeles, we would love to show you how our community enhances the lives of seniors through personalized care and a place to call home. 

 

Please Contact Us

515 N. La Brea Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: (323) 938-2131

Email: director@cityview.care