Why do some people get bitter about life as they get older?

1. 71

   Darrell Robertsposted 10 years ago

   Why do some people get bitter about life as they get older?

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2. 60

   laringoposted 10 years ago

   I have an opinion that starts with those aches and pains that start creeping up, the eye sight and hearing that starts fading somewhat, and those around you who feel as if they can treat you like a child. People forget about the feelings of older people and assume they don't get it. Who wouldn't be bitter. I've already tasted a little bit of this crude part of life!

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3. 80

   dashingscorpioposted 10 years ago

   Oftentimes it has to do with the reality that they are not going to accomplish all the dreams or hopes they had for their life. They tend to blame others for the choices they made along the way.
   Being around "happy people" puts them in a bad mood. In their eyes the world is getting worse day by day and they refuse to listen to anyone who says otherwise. They've decided to adopt the philosophy of not to expect much of anything good out of life so they won't be disappointed yet again.
   Last but not least they hold onto every hurt or unfair thing that ever crossed their path. It's nearly impossible to move into a positive future if you continue to carry the negativity of your past.

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   1. 71

      Darrell Robertsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I agree, not being able toaccomplish dreams and goals is frustrating, and that could lead to bitterness.  Thanks for the answer.

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4. 65

   Tusitala Tomposted 10 years ago

   I received an email from a woman today who must be around ninety years of age who, from what she tells me, is very happy despite all of her health problems.  She's even written a book on Happiness which, apparently, is making some sales.  Her advice?   Keep a diary or Happy Book, in which every day you make it a habit to write down in it any positive and happy thing which has happened to you that day.   For her, this seems to work pretty well.
   
   My own belief is that you need to have a 'philosophy of life' that you can live with.   That is, it has to appeal to both mind and spirit.   If we think we're only an ego-mind contained within a bag of skin, then we're in for trouble as we grow older.   We see life as the proverbial 'glass half empty.'   Or, nearer to the end of our lives - and I'm seventy-seven now so can can speak from experience of observing my comtempories - that glass isn't even half full...there might be just a few drops in the bottom.
   
   This is quite frightening to those who think that their life is somewhat similar to a carbon-battery cell; when the life is gone, so are they.
   
   So faith is good.  But knowing is even better.  So my advice to all is get to know who and what you really are and the fear of death, along with all the bitterness and recrimminations will fall away.

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5. 72

   brakel2posted 10 years ago

   Many people become bitter when they become ill and have no support system. They may hibernate and become worse. No matter what, their only hope is to eat well , exercise some, play computer games or have a hobby to keep brain sharp, and somehow find friends or relatives for support. Reading and writing help,along with a religious philosophy. Humor can also keep you young.  Bitterness will result in deterioration.

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6. 46

   DDEposted 10 years ago

   People grow and change all the time. When they reach a certain all gets bitter the number gets inside their minds.  It is like they hate themselves. Older makes them unhappy and less energetic.They are not able to do stuff like once before and  this is why bitterness is noticed.

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7. 80

   peachpurpleposted 10 years ago

   i agree with @brakel2, Older folks like my dad and mom who have diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, tinnitus, OCD... so many illness, eh? ... Too much bitter than happiness for them. Too much pills to swallow and one after another dr appointments to follow up and have to go strict diet. That is sure bitter!

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