12 Habits in Later Life That Other People May Notice — and How to Improve Them
The phrase “nasty things” is unnecessarily harsh. Aging itself doesn’t make someone rude, unhygienic, or inconsiderate. Some behaviors, however, can become more noticeable with changes in mobility, hearing, vision, cognition, or social circumstances. (CDC)
Here are 12 common examples worth addressing without shame:
- Neglecting personal hygiene — infrequent bathing, changing clothes, or dental care.
- Wearing heavily soiled clothing — sometimes because laundry or dressing has become physically difficult.
- Ignoring dental problems — bad breath, painful teeth, or poorly fitting dentures shouldn’t simply be accepted as “old age.”
- Not washing hands regularly — particularly before preparing or eating food.
- Leaving food or rubbish around — this can attract insects and create hygiene problems.
- Not cleaning the bathroom or living space — difficulty bending, lifting, or walking may be the real reason.
- Speaking very loudly — hearing loss is common and can make someone unaware of their volume.
- Interrupting or repeating stories frequently — hearing difficulties or cognitive changes can contribute.
- Withdrawing from family and friends — social isolation and loneliness can affect older adults’ health and well-being. (CDC Tools)
- Being unusually irritable or suspicious — a new behavioral change deserves attention rather than ridicule.
- Forgetting appointments, medications, or everyday tasks — persistent changes in memory or functioning should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
- Refusing help when everyday tasks have become difficult — maintaining independence is important, but accepting appropriate assistance can improve safety and quality of life.
A crucial point
A sudden deterioration in hygiene, housekeeping, eating, medication management, or personal safety may be a sign that an older person needs help, rather than evidence that they have become “lazy” or “nasty.” Severe difficulty caring for oneself can also be a sign of self-neglect, which can threaten health and safety. (CDC)
The best approach is respectful and practical: ask what has become difficult, look for treatable causes such as pain or vision problems, and offer assistance without taking away the person’s independence.
