The Impact of Life Experiences on Personality

Life experiences can greatly impact the way in which a person deals with events in later life. In fact, according to Nancy Hooyman and H. Kiyak of the 6^th edition of social gerontology text, coping mechanisms in the elderly are more commonly more appropriate and effective than those used by younger generations. Additionally, defense mechanisms among the elderly are generally less "primitive" and more mature (2002). Primitive defense mechanisms are those such as denial in which one denies that there is a problem or denying one's feelings on an issue, and projection in which one projects one's feelings on to others instead of dealing with how they feel about themselves or the issue at hand. Using better defense mechanisms and better coping techniques allow an elderly individual to reduce stress and more easily and effectively resolve a problematic situation.

Further evidence of the impact of life experience on personality in old age is the fact that many elderly individuals rate major life events as being less stressful than younger individuals. This not only suggests that their experience with major life events has made similar events easier to deal with, but that "the anticipation of an event is more stressful than the actual experience" (Hooyman, Kiyak, 2002). A great deal of stress with life events such as the death of a family member or friend comes from the anticipation of the event. We don't know how to live without them or aren't ready for such a change, and so we stress about it. Elderly generations who have more experience in dealing with major life events such as death or role loss are more easily able to assess a situation and assign it as a lower level stressor. Additionally, as stated earlier, elderly individuals are better able to cope with the situation due to their experiences.

Because of these things a person can be more flexible and accommodating of both positive and negative life events and stressors. While personality throughout life remains fairly consistent, a more experienced person becomes more confident in handling situations and wiser about which methods or techniques work best. They are better able to accept life changes by creating a more adaptive stance on issues and situations which may arise. Additionally, the due to life experience and the wisdom gained from successfully coping with life events, the elderly are able to place less emphasis on controlling uncontrollable events than are younger generations. This greatly reduces stress creating a more friendly and livable environment for said elderly adult.

While life experiences cannot solve or ease all the hardships that may come someone's way during a lifetime, and especially during old age, it can help in a number of situations and in a number of ways. Elderly individuals can benefit from their life experiences in creating a more adaptable and accepting self as they age.

References: Hooyman & Kiyak. (2006). Social Gerontology 6^th Edition. Pearson Education Company. Boston, MA.