Why do some elderly people become SO cranky?
Senior citizens have a lower threshhold for annoyance. The things that annoy someone when they are 30 (unruly screaming kids, boomcars, thoughtless cellphone shouters) become doubly so at 60. Seniors stubbornly apply a higher standard for behavior than younger people. They become irritated at the rudeness and sloppy work typical of so many younger people. They are baffled that younger people seem to have so little common sense. To a senior citizen, a sensible, polite, industrious younger person seems like a miracle.
Society has different expectations for seniors. Seniors should quietly blend into the background and not make waves. When a senior makes a fuss, it seems like they are really acting up, being a pain in the ass. When a younger person acts cranky, they are being assertive, standing up for their rights.
Seniors don’t deserve a pass, however. The best way to deal with them is don’t take it personally when you encounter a show of crankiness. Smile and be patient, just like you would with a younger cranky person. Or, lash out with your own angry blast. It’s up to you.
If it’s any consolation, it’s no fun being a cranky senior.
I’m not in my 70’s yet but I would be mad and yell if kids ran across my grass and I worked hard to make it look nice. I don’t believe that age has anything to do with it, it’s all about respect for other peoples property. Maybe it didn’t both him before because it wasn’t hard to maintain it in his younger years.
Pain. It’s hard to be cheerful when you’re in pain. Other things in life may not have worked out as planned. I can relate. I’m only in my 50’s, but both pain & disappointment in working my entire life to have my dreams dashed tend to make me a bit cranky at times. Try to be understanding. Talk to him if you can.
