Statistically speaking, older people are as likely to be irritable as younger people. However, while emotional outbursts can happen at any age, elderly people may be more prone to them due to naturally occurring diminished impulse control. There are root causes that may be causing your aging parent or loved one to act out. Determining the problem can help you bring them peace and improve your relationship. First, our dopamine levels decline as we age, making elderly people susceptible to dopamine-deficient depression. It’s also well known that declining estrogen levels during menopause can cause women to experience irritability, sadness and anxiety. Men also experience hormonal changes. The gradual decrease in testosterone, known as andropause, is often accompanied by emotional imbalance. Then there are the effects that aging has on the body. We’re no longer as active as we once were, and often senior citizens suffer from multiple ailments. Pain, especially chronic pain, can further exacerbate the issue. Finally, loneliness and social isolation play a role. This can be particularly severe when they live alone and experience losses as their circle of friends becomes smaller. Even if seniors can deal with physical changes to their bodies, they also must adapt to challenging social roles. Post-retirement routines, rapidly changing consumer trends that require online appointments, bill-paying, product-ordering, delivery arrangements, rideshare apps, and constantly changing tech devices may gradually overwhelm them or make them feel like they no longer belong. Your awareness and compassionate action can help bring peace and new possibility for the senior you love.
