Does Aging Affect Our Patience?

The question of whether we become more or less patient as we age has been a topic of personal reflection and scholarly inquiry. Many individuals, including myself, have noticed changes in their patience levels over the years. While mine has increased, particularly with my wife, there are also instances where I find myself growing less patient, especially in certain scenarios.

The Value and Perception of Time

With age comes the realization that time is finite. This awareness often makes individuals more intolerant of time-wasting activities. For example, as someone who is now 62, I find that the younger generation sometimes fails to pay attention when communicating on the phone. This ageism, though understandable, is not a trait I am proud of. Similarly, I often feel frustrated when younger individuals, lacking life experience, assume I don't know a lot about various subjects due to my age. Such attitudes can lead to quick anger and frustration.

Patience and Perspective

While aging can lead to impatience in certain situations, it's also true that we become more patient in others. We can see that some things are simply not worth stressing over, while other issues demand more careful attention. It's a double-edged sword; we can become impatient with the trivial and yet more patient with the significant.

For example, I've noticed that when I am constantly alert and stressed, performing my household and parenting duties, my patience decreases. However, as I have reduced these duties and responsibilities, I have become more relaxed and can act and think calmly. The age factor plays a significant role in this change, as the physical and mental demands of maintaining a household naturally evoke stress and impatience.

Developing Patience Through Experience

My wife and I have both developed more patience over the past ten years. I believe this is due to a combination of factors, including the emotional and sentimental changes that come with age and the physical and mental workload associated with caring for children and running a household. These duties required constant alertness and stress, which naturally make us impatient and nervous. However, once these responsibilities have decreased, we are no longer so rushed and can act and think more calmly.

Looking back, I wouldn't justify my previous behavior. With less stress and more time, I could have handled situations with more composure and patience. Developing patience is not just about accepting the inevitabilities of life; it's also about recognizing that certain behaviors and responses are not always necessary or helpful.

Conclusion

Patience is a complex trait that evolves over time. While aging can certainly affect our patience levels, it is also a characteristic that can be developed and improved. It is important to reflect on our behavior and strive to be more understanding, patient, and emotionally stable as we age. By doing so, we can lead more fulfilling and harmonious lives.