12 Habits in Older Age That Can Affect How Others See You
This kind of headline can easily become insulting or ageist. Getting older does not automatically mean developing “nasty” habits. Many behaviors people notice are related to hearing, mobility, dental problems, medication effects, or other health issues—and they’re often treatable.
If the goal is to identify habits that can unintentionally make social situations uncomfortable, here are 12 worth being aware of:
Ignoring personal hygiene when you’re able to maintain it.
Wearing strongly soiled or heavily scented clothing repeatedly.
Not addressing persistent bad breath or dental problems.
Speaking extremely loudly because of untreated hearing loss.
Interrupting conversations repeatedly, sometimes because it’s difficult to hear or follow the discussion.
Frequently complaining without allowing others to respond.
Discussing very personal bodily or medical details in inappropriate settings.
Leaving food or drink spills on clothing or around the home without cleaning them.
Ignoring persistent coughing, sneezing, or other symptoms around other people rather than taking reasonable hygiene precautions.
Becoming overly controlling about how family members do things.
Refusing all help despite obvious difficulties, which can sometimes create unnecessary safety problems.
Withdrawing completely from social contact, especially when it reflects depression, anxiety, hearing difficulty, or another treatable problem.
Some “bad habits” may actually be medical problems
For example, bad breath can result from dental disease or dry mouth, while changes in behavior, hygiene, or social judgment can sometimes accompany depression or cognitive impairment.
And if someone has suddenly become much more forgetful, confused, withdrawn, irritable, or unable to care for themselves, it shouldn’t simply be dismissed as “old age.” A medical evaluation is appropriate.
The kinder approach
If you notice one of these problems in an older family member, don’t embarrass them publicly. A private, respectful conversation—and offering practical help—is usually much more useful than criticism.
Aging should never be treated as something shameful. The aim should be comfort, dignity, health, and independence, not meeting other people’s expectations.
