Wiser Older Adults

Everyone has a different definition of wisdom, but we all agree that is it something that is desirable. Aristotle was one of the first to argue for the importance of practical over theoretical knowledge in determining what wisdom is. Historically—when survival to older age was less certain—it was assumed that survivors were wise. They had the practical know how to survive. However, practical knowledge is no easier concept to define.

In a 2007 study, Fredda Blanchard-Fields and Susanne Scheibe showed a disturbing video for two groups of adults, ages 20-30 and 60-75. They then they asked them to ignore what they have just watched and to play a memory game. People in the older age group performed better on the memory test. It seems that older adults are better at separating their feelings and looking at the practical task at hand. This ability allows older adults to remain positive in the light of accumulating negative experiences.

Despite multiple chronic illnesses that cause functional disability or cognitive decline, most older adults are able to tune out negative information into their late 70s and 80s. The recent 2010 AARP study that looked at wellbeing also showed that despite reporting a decrease in high overall quality of life since five years ago (48% from 50%), everyone expects their quality of life to increase in five years time. It could be that the ability to be positive—despite the reality—allows for practical and therefore wise decisions. But happiness is not solely the privilege of older adults.

A study published this year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science found a U-shaped relationship between happiness and age: Adults were happiest in youth and again in their 70s and early 80s, and least happy in middle age. A 2007 University of Chicago study similarly concluded that rates of happiness—the degree to which a person evaluates the overall quality of his present life positively—crept upward from age 65 to 85 and beyond, in both sexes.

This paradox that exist for older adults and not for younger adults—that older adults are happier despite the likelihood of multiple chronic illnesses, functional disability, cognitive decline, and accumulating negative experiences—can be the definition of wisdom.

The ability for most older adults to be able to tune out negative information and evaluate the situation on a practical foundation is unique. Raising a family, navigating a career and experiencing love, loss, success and failure educate adults. It is the ability to see all of this and still manage to search for compromise, admitting uncertainty, overcoming fear and finding flexibility that is the seat of wisdom.

This explains that it is not simply life that is a precondition for wisdom. Aristotle insisted that only individuals with good character could acquire excellence in practical wisdom. And it seems that we have known this all along as the English philosopher Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) said “To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.”


Mario Garrett, Ph.D., is a professor of gerontology at San Diego State University and is currently on sabbatical at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He can be reached at mariusgarrett@yahoo.com