09/26/2025
SEPTEMBER IS HEALTHY AGING MONTH
Myth #2 - Seniors are grouchy.
Whether it’s cartoon strips starring cranky old men, or sitcoms in which older “grannies” whack teenagers with their canes, the “crabby senior” is a stereotype with which we are all familiar.
It’s true that physical pain, depression, sensory impairment and mobility loss can take a toll on anyone’s mood and outlook on life. But gerontological psychologists tell us that in general, our personality traits remain the same throughout our lives—and many of us even develop a more positive attitude as we age.
Laura Carstensen of the Stanford Center for Longevity says, “In general, people get happier as they get older.” Asked about the stereotype of the grumpy old man, Carstensen said, “Most of the grumpy old men out there are grumpy young men who grew old.” Seniors who are experiencing an uncharacteristic negative mood should be evaluated for underlying causes.