As we grow older, quality of life becomes even more important. While our intelligence quotient (IQ) is often discussed in our younger years, researchers have determined that our emotional intelligence – EQ – carries much more significance, especially as we age. Those who exhibit a higher EQ are more likely to experience more compatible relationships and less conflict in their personal interactions. Since seniors often struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness as they age, the EQ may hold the answers to making life easier and more enjoyable.
Aging is often associated with anxiety, fear, and a loss of practical communication skills. However, a Harvard study showed that, on average, seniors exhibited higher emotional intelligence than younger persons, turning the idea of “cranky seniors” on its head. The research showed that senior citizens considered their relationships valuable and were very interested in nurturing them. More so than younger folks, seniors appreciate living life in the present – and are highly adaptable when it comes to synching their emotions up with those they care about. Overall, senior citizens and the elderly have a more optimistic outlook on life and more ability to face adversity with a level head.
Staying in Good Health Is Key
It is challenging to maintain a good attitude about growing older if your health fails. The more healthy a senior is, the more options they have and the more independence they can retain. Of course, attitude is typically carried on from earlier years – that is, if someone had a good attitude towards life when they were younger, they are likely to still look at life in that manner. However, those who experienced a difficult life and challenging circumstances are less likely to remain optimistic.
However, research proves that regardless of experience in their earlier years, a person’s ability to navigate and process emotions seems to significantly improve after the age of 60.
Emotional Intelligence in Your Golden Years
People often think that seniors over 60 are destined for a life of loneliness and decline, but nothing could be further from the truth. Our average life is expectancy is 80 years, meaning that seniors still have decades of living to do. Modern seniors, especially Floridians, are more active than ever. They play sports, visit with family, take vacations and learn new hobbies. For those people, it makes sense that their EQ is high. However, even those seniors dealing with health issues and ailments seem to remain optimistic and emotionally healthy. There must be something else besides overall good health driving emotional intelligence if this is true.
The Journal of Gerontology posits two theories about what could be behind the senior’s sunny state of mind.
- Socioemotional selectivity: At some point, everyone will realize that their life will not last forever. At that point, behavior shifts from being motivated by future reward – and instead puts attention on having emotionally fulfilling moments daily.
- Dynamic integration: As people grow older, they understand that their physical and cognitive abilities diminish. They aren’t as flexible and energetic as they used to be, and aches and pains are a fact of life. Because they cannot control many aspects of their lives, they choose to handle those they can – such as their emotions and moods.
The study also points out something called the “positivity effect.” Seniors overlay a filter on their personal experiences and choose to only hold onto the most positive and gratifying ones. This filter focuses on the positive and allows more meaningful bonds with others.
High emotional intelligence in senior citizens equates to a better quality of life, assists with physical energy, and minimizes stress and loneliness. One of the best ways for your loved one to stay happy and healthy is to remain engaged with other people – making an assisted living facility an excellent choice for an adult living residence.
A Banyan Residence is a professional assisted living and memory care facility located in The Villages, Florida.
