As men age, some find it increasingly difficult to embrace change, often without realizing the habits contributing to their rigidity.
These patterns may feel like second nature, but they can quietly reinforce resistance to growth and adaptation.
Recognizing these behaviors is the first step toward breaking free and staying open to new experiences.
Here are seven habits commonly displayed by men who become more incapable of change as they get older—and how addressing them can reignite flexibility and growth:
1) Sticking to routine
Change can be daunting—even more so as we age—and this is particularly true for men who fall back on routines for comfort.
These routines can range from simple daily tasks like having the same breakfast each day, to larger lifestyle choices like refusing to switch jobs or alter holiday traditions.
Older men who stick to their routines religiously are often more resistant to change.
They find a sense of security and predictability in their routines which can make them fear the uncertainty that change brings.
This habitual adherence to routine is not necessarily a bad thing.
In fact, routines can provide structure and stability—but when these routines become rigid and inflexible, they can act as a barrier to adaptability and growth.
The aim is not to eliminate routines completely, but rather to make them flexible enough to accommodate and facilitate change.
2) Avoiding new technology
As someone who has been around a while, I’ve seen the rapid advances in technology that have taken place over the years.
I’ll admit, it hasn’t always been easy to keep up.
There was a time when I felt overwhelmed by the world of smartphones, tablets, and social media.
I found myself clinging to my old flip phone and feeling a sense of dread whenever I heard about a new app or gadget.
Soon after, I realized that this resistance to new technology was a habit that was making me more resistant to change in general.
The fear of the unfamiliar, the effort required to learn something new, and the comfort of sticking with what I knew—all these factors contributed to my reluctance.
Once I recognized this habit, I made an effort to be more open towards new technology.
Sure, it took some time and patience, but gradually I became more comfortable with it.
This shift in attitude helped me become more adaptable to change in other areas of life too.
Consider learning the ropes of technology as an opportunity for growth rather than something to avoid.
3) Resisting different perspectives
In our formative years, we tend to build a worldview based on our experiences, beliefs, and values.
As we age, these views solidify and it becomes harder to see things from different perspectives.
This resistance to new ideas and viewpoints can be an obstacle to change.
It’s like viewing the world through a fixed lens that doesn’t adjust to different perspectives.
Interestingly, a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people are more likely to resist persuasion when they view their attitudes as an integral part of their identity.
Meaning that, if a man sees his viewpoints as a fundamental part of who he is, he is more likely to resist changing those views, even when presented with new information or different perspectives.
Recognizing this habit is the first step towards becoming more open-minded and adaptable.
By consciously seeking out different viewpoints and being open to new ideas, it is possible to become more flexible in our attitudes and more capable of change.
4) Dismissing emotions
Emotions are a crucial part of our human experience—influencing our decisions, shape our interactions, and play a significant role in our overall wellbeing.
However, some men tend to dismiss their emotions, especially as they get older.
They may see emotional expression as a sign of weakness or believe that it’s unnecessary.
An avoidance of emotional engagement can hinder adaptability; emotions help us navigate change by allowing us to process our feelings, understand others’ perspectives, and build strong relationships.
Dismissing emotions can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding, making it difficult to accept changes that involve others’ feelings or viewpoints.
It’s okay to be vulnerable—it’s a sign of strength and adaptability, not weakness.
5) Neglecting self-care
I’ve always been someone who prioritizes work and responsibilities over personal wellbeing.
The idea of self-care often felt indulgent, something I could afford to ignore in the grand scheme of things.
Over time, I realized that neglecting self-care was making me more resistant to change.
Why? Because change requires energy, adaptability, and a healthy state of mind.
Without proper self-care, it’s hard to muster these resources.
I would often find myself feeling mentally and physically drained, leaving me with little capacity to cope with changes or challenges.
The routine and predictability of neglecting my wellbeing seemed easier than making the effort to take care of myself.
However, once I started prioritizing self-care—whether it was taking a walk every day, reading a book for pleasure, or simply getting enough sleep—I found that I was better equipped to handle change.
In the habit of sidelining self-care, now is the time to start to consider making it a priority.
6) Avoiding risks
Risk-taking is closely linked with our ability to adapt to change.
After all, change often involves stepping into the unknown and embracing uncertainty.
Unfortunately, as men get older, they may tend to avoid taking risks.
This could be due to a variety of reasons—fear of failure, comfort in familiarity, or the belief that it’s too late to take on new challenges.
While it’s important to make calculated decisions and avoid unnecessary risks, a resistance to any form of risk can hinder adaptability.
By shying away from new experiences, opportunities for growth could be missed.
Understanding that risk-taking is a part of life and can lead to personal development is crucial.
It doesn’t mean diving headfirst into every opportunity, but rather evaluating the potential gains and losses and having the courage to step out of the comfort zone when it feels right.
7) Ignoring the need for growth
Personal growth is a lifelong journey—it doesn’t stop with age, nor does it become less important.
As we advance in life, the pursuit of personal growth becomes even more significant.
Men who ignore the need for personal growth often become more resistant to change—believing they’ve learned all there is to learn, or feel that it’s too late to make significant changes.
The truth is that we never stop learning and growing, and every day presents a new opportunity to learn something new, improve a skill, or change a perspective.
Ignoring the need for personal growth not only hinders adaptability but also limits potential.
Embracing continuous learning and personal development can help foster a mindset that is open to change and capable of adapting to whatever life throws our way.
Final reflection: The power of awareness
Life is ever-changing, and our habits play a key role in how well we adapt.
For aging men, certain habits—like resisting new technology, avoiding risks, or neglecting self-care—can subtly hinder growth and flexibility.
The good news is that awareness sparks transformation; recognizing these patterns can inspire the positive changes needed to embrace life’s shifts with greater ease.
As Carl Jung wisely said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
By bringing these habits into conscious awareness, we are no longer at the mercy of ‘fate’.
We have the power to steer our own course, embracing change with resilience and grace.
