File of No Big Surprise: Older minds yield greater wisdom

Here’s something from the No Big Surprise File: New research indicates that the brains of older people may actually be more efficient.

Still, I’m amazed and annoyed by how often we talk around older people – as  though they can’t hear what we’re saying or won’t get it anyhow. It’s a bad habit and downright disrespectful. If someone is hard of hearing, make yourself heard, but then sit back and listen to the wisdom they have to offer you. You’ll be better for it.

My grandmother used to pause and smile slightly after I offered some strident opinion or perspective. Her reaction often led me to believe she hadn’t heard me. Sometimes that was the case, but plenty of times I’d be hollering an inch from her ear to help her understand, when she would nod her head and say quietly, “Yes, I heard you, I just don’t think what you said makes much sense.”

Bigwigs from the University Geriatrics Institute of Montreal say new research proves that the experience that comes with an older brain yields wisdom. On certain tasks older people could function almost as well as younger study participants, and they also offered a level of wisdom and resiliency that the younger people didn’t possess. This allowed the elders, despite criticism and failure, to make appropriate adjustments only when required by circumstances.

The brains of younger people tended to be more reactive after a mistake – often planning and carrying out a new problem-solving strategy before it was necessary or practical.

Cultures and generations before us have long understood the importance of a multi-generational connection. We all benefit by sharing with one another, regardless of our age. We all have much to teach and much to learn.

But, when someone gets older we tend to focus more on caring for their physical needs, than listening to them. I think listening is part of the caring process and it benefits everybody. When it’s done well the person who is being heard feels validated and respected and you come away with some much-valued insight and wisdom.

In other words, it’s in your best interest to be quiet. We could all use more wisdom than reactivity.