People who keep an open mind as they get older usually display these 7 behaviors (2024)

Our society tends to impose an undue bias on those who keep an open mind as they get older, often pressuring them into conformity simply out of the fear of being seen as eccentric or nontraditional.

In this article, I’ll share some common behaviors displayed by those who choose to embrace intellectual and emotional flexibility as they age.

By the end, I hope to show that there’s no shame in choosing to stay open-minded as we get older, just as there’s no shame in sticking to traditional views.

Ultimately, our perspectives should arise from personal growth and understanding, rather than societal expectations.

1) They remain curious

This stems from the belief that there’s always more to learn, regardless of age.

But the reality is that this curiosity is what allows one to continuously evolve and adapt.

Let me illustrate.

Consider the world around you right now. The seasons change by themselves. The earth rotates on its axis by itself.

New discoveries and advancements are made every day.

While reading these words, numerous events have taken place around the world.

If you’re going to age with an open mind, it’s fundamental to accept that you’re not the all-knowing being you may once have thought you were.

You’re continuously learning.

It’s crucial to let go of the illusion of knowing it all that comes from years of experience. You don’t.

The world changes, and so should your understanding of it.

2) They don’t limit their identity to their beliefs

Advice on how to grow older often suggests “holding onto your beliefs” or “sticking to your principles”.

While this is common in many societies, it doesn’t necessarily encourage open-mindedness.

Instead, true open-mindedness comes from becoming a “watcher” of your beliefs.

It comes from observing your principles and being willing to question them.

As one great philosopher once said: “Observe your beliefs. Don’t do anything—no clinging to old ideas, no stubborn adherence to long-held principles—just watch how your beliefs shape your reactions. Don’t defend them, don’t justify them, don’t force them upon others; don’t do anything at all on your part. You just be an observer, and the miracle of observing is open-mindedness. As you observe, slowly your mind becomes open to new ideas; but you are not becoming gullible, you are becoming more discerning, more receptive.”

When you try to “stick to your beliefs” all the time, you give too much power to your preconceived notions.

You give up your instinctive openness.

3) They willingly embrace uncertainty

You can convince yourself that sticking to the known is the safe choice, but soon, you might find yourself feeling envious of those who dare to venture into the unknown.

You might even find yourself on the receiving end of that envy.

Few individuals are brave enough to weather that kind of storm.

Uncertainty rears its head in all stages of life, but if you willingly put yourself in a position to embrace uncertainty, you are inviting growth.

Also, it’s important to ask yourself about the role of uncertainty in your life.

Perhaps you and your peers are feeling uncertain because you are stepping into a new phase or learning something new.

Often, we berate ourselves for uncertainty, as though it’s something that we shouldn’t feel.

Perhaps it’s time to embrace these feelings. They may be a sign that you’re on the path of personal evolution.

4) They value experiences over preconceived notions

I initiated this article focusing on behaviors and open-mindedness.

The thing is, behaviors and open-mindedness also reflect how we perceive experiences.

In my case, I often find myself lost in the world of books and theories.

I become engrossed in understanding the intricacies of different philosophies.

My intentions are good. Knowledge has the potential to be a transformative force in life.

But when I get so engrossed, I can slip into the habit of thinking that my theoretical knowledge is more valuable than first-hand experiences.

I can lose touch with reality. I become rigid and am probably not such a receptive person to new ideas.

If I judged myself for my intentions, I wouldn’t question my perspective.

Instead, because I don’t focus on my intentions, I’m more able to reflect on my perception and change how I think.

I’m learning to step out and appreciate the real-world experiences in my life.

How you value experiences is what matters, not the preconceived notions that drive your perception.

5) They practice empathy

Practicing empathy has been a challenging, yet rewarding journey for me.

Growing up, I often found myself sticking to my familiar social circles, interacting mostly with people who shared my beliefs, my lifestyle, my perspectives.

It felt comfortable, safe.

However, as I got older and started to embrace open-mindedness, I realized that this comfort was limiting my growth.

I was missing out on the rich diversity of human experiences and perspectives out there.

I still remember the day when I decided to break my pattern.

It was at a community event where I met a man whose life experiences were vastly different from mine.

I remember feeling a sense of unease as he shared his stories.

They challenged my beliefs, threatened my comfort.

But instead of retreating into my shell, I chose to listen, to try and understand his perspective.

That was the day I truly practiced empathy.

It wasn’t easy. There were moments of discomfort, moments where I wanted to retreat back to familiarity.

But with each interaction, each shared story, each empathetic moment, I found myself growing.

I learned that practicing empathy didn’t mean agreeing with everyone.

It meant understanding different viewpoints, acknowledging them without judgment.

It meant stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the diverse world around us.

Practicing empathy has taught me more about life and myself than any book or theory ever could.

6) They adapt to change

People who keep an open mind as they get older have been observed to be more adaptable in the face of change.

They see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Here’s the key point:

This behavior encourages us to embrace the unpredictable nature of life.

It’s about understanding that change is the only constant and adapting accordingly.

For those feeling overwhelmed, adapting to change can provide a sense of resilience.

It’s a reminder that we are part of a dynamic world, an evolving ecosystem that is always in motion and will continue to evolve.

It encourages us to see our life journey as part of a larger narrative of evolution and can impart a sense of purpose and adaptability.

7) They cherish their ignorance

Those who maintain an open mind as they age often hold a profound appreciation for their own ignorance.

They see it not as a flaw, but as an invitation to learn more.

In a world where the accumulation of knowledge is often lauded, embracing one’s ignorance can seem counterproductive.

Yet, it’s this very acceptance of not knowing everything that fuels curiosity and fosters growth.

This behavior underscores the importance of humility in our lifelong learning journey.

It’s about recognizing that no matter how much we know, there’s always more to learn.

For those feeling stifled by their knowledge, cherishing ignorance can provide a liberating perspective.

It’s a reminder that we are part of an infinite universe, a vast expanse of knowledge that we can never fully comprehend.

We are encouraged to keep questioning, keep learning, and keep growing, thus ensuring that our minds stay open as we age.

Bottom line: It could be evolutionary

The intricacies of human behavior and adaptation often have deep-rooted connections with our evolutionary history.

One such connection is the relationship between open-minded individuals and a cognitive trait known as cognitive flexibility.

This trait, prevalent in many advanced species, acts as a mental pivot in the brain, playing a pivotal role in adaptability and problem-solving.

For those who keep an open mind as they age, cognitive flexibility might be the key factor in their knack for embracing change.

This could potentially induce a sense of contentment and fulfillment when they adapt to new circ*mstances or learn something new.

Whether it’s exploring an unfamiliar cuisine, delving into a previously unknown culture, picking up a new skill, or even changing their perspective on a long-held belief, the underlying evolutionary trait could be enhancing their experience.

Remember this famous quote, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.”

So, as we navigate through life and age, let’s embrace open-mindedness and cherish our ability to adapt and evolve.