Getting older implies a series of transformations, not only physical and emotional but also behavioural. Elderly behavior changes and personality deviations are not an isolated event but are part of this transition. However, it is also not something that caregivers and family members should ignore. Even common obsessions or hobbies can become a problem if not managed properly.

Common Manias and Personality Changes in Old Age.
What Can Cause Personality Changes in the Elderly?

Behavioural changes in old age can be conscious or unconscious, but they generally follow fairly similar patterns. This is because many of these disorders are caused by the same problems associated with ageing: problems with language, vision and hearing loss, disorientation, and memory loss, as well as diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer's. You may also notice sudden personality change in elderly, especially with mood and memory loss when one is taking medication or even without these medical conditions.

1. Memory loss

2. Side effects of medication

3. Vision and hearing problems

4. Problems with language

5. Loneliness, which can lead to anxiety and depression.

6. Mental health conditions such as dementia and Alzheimers.

1. Constant worry about what might happen

2. Obsession with order and symmetry in the placement of household objects.

3. Preoccupation with listing or labelling everything at home.

4. Concern about the spread of diseases and their consequences (especially in pandemic times).

5. Inflexibility in schedules and routines.

6. Mistrust in any situation outside of the routine, including food preparation and furniture arrangement.

7. Money obsessions in older people

An important part of the daily tasks of the caregiver is knowing how to deal with the difficult behaviours and personality changes of the older adult. Older people who repeat the same thing many times, who are reluctant to dialogue, who do not cooperate during care, or who close themselves off to any type of interaction also need assistance. But how to act in these cases?

The fact that behaviour change in adults is common does not mean that it is easy to deal with this type of situation. Good management of disruptive or inappropriate behaviour is a matter of practice. These tips will be useful when it comes to dealing with personality changes in old age without causing wear and tear on you or the person in your charge.

Discard the most obvious reasons why this change in behaviour is taking place in adults. Sometimes it can be something as simple as the discomfort of the wardrobe or the position, or something less visible, such as fatigue, hunger, or thirst. It is also possible that changes in the personality of the older adult are related to some type of pharmacological treatment.

There are common manias that simply have to be played down. What is worrying is not the mania itself but the possibility that it may become incapacitating.

Analyse and understand the possible causes of concern for the elderly and to what extent they are related to their change in attitude. Communication is very important to understand the situation and give it the treatment it deserves.

A sudden and poorly managed change of attitude ends up turning into an argument. The anger of an older adult can be very similar to the tantrums of a child, but they cannot be addressed in the same way. To resolve this childlike behavior in elderly that may break the harmony of everyday life, the following is recommended:

• Avoid paternalistic attitudes. Don't treat an adult like a child.

• Speak slowly, keeping a neutral tone and without raising your voice. And be patient. You can generate even more frustration by thinking that they are not understanding you can generate even more frustration.

• Listen carefully and without cutting the sentences. Intervene during silence without interrupting.

• Accept different opinions. Disagreement does not necessarily have to be a reason for conflict when there is dialogue.

• If the situation gets complicated, try to change the focus of attention. Transfer the subject to a different field until things settle down.

• Humour and laughter can work with each conversation. However, do not trivialise their concerns but try to create the right environment so that the older person also ends up succumbing to laughter and its therapeutic power.

Hobbies and obsessions are not something exclusive to the elderly. However, it is more common for this type of thoughtless behaviour to be ingrained more easily in the routines of the elderly. Its prompt identification and correction through the techniques that we have explained to you will prevent them from becoming a real problem.