Monica Pop is a senior writer for Bored Daddy magazine, covering the latest trending and popular articles across the United States and around the world.
On the facebook page Faith Tap, Monica posted an article from her webpage entitled “12 nasty habits in old age that everyone notices, but no one dares to tell you.”
“Aging is an inevitable part of life, no matter if we like that or not,” Monica wrote. “As people get older, they change in certain ways, and it’s not just their appearance that changes, but their character too.”
She added, “Among the rest, people who reach old age develop habits that those around them can find annoying, but it’s rare that someone would ever point that out, mainly out of respect. What’s more, most elderly people aren’t even aware of those habits. If they are, however, that would help with their relationships with those around them a great deal.”
It caught my eye because I don’t want to be that old person. As I read them, I begin to think of Scriptures that might help us overcome these common pitfalls.
Here are the 12 bad habits Monica posted without her commentary. but I’ve added some scriptural references and thought for your reflection
1. Constant Complaining
Philippians 2:14 — “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.”
Complaining slowly reshapes the heart toward discontent. Scripture calls believers—at every age—to reflect gratitude that bears witness to Christ’s sufficiency.
2. Rejecting Everything New
1 Chronicles 12:32–“Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…”
God often works through fresh seasons and unfamiliar paths. Remaining open to change and the time we live in reflects trust in a God who is always at work.
3. Interrupting Conversations
James 1:19 — “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak.”
Wisdom grows when we listen more than we speak. Aging well includes cultivating humility in our conversations.
4. Giving Unsolicited Advice
Proverbs 25:11 — “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”
Even good counsel loses its beauty when it is poorly timed. Scripture encourages discernment, not just knowledge.
5. Living Too Much in the Past
Philippians 3:13–14 — “Forgetting what lies behind… I press on toward the goal.”
The past can instruct us, but it was never meant to imprison us. God’s calling always points forward.
6. Persistent Negativity
Proverbs 17:22 — “A joyful heart is good medicine.”
Negativity drains both the soul and relationships. Scripture reminds us that joy is a spiritual discipline, not a personality trait.
7. Not Truly Listening
Proverbs 18:13 — “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
Listening honors others and reflects God’s attentiveness to us. It is an act of love, not passivity.
8. Criticizing Younger Generations
Psalm 145:4 — “One generation shall commend your works to another.”
God’s design is intergenerational encouragement, not comparison. Our role is to testify to God’s faithfulness, not diminish the present.
9. Neglecting Self-Care
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 — “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.”
Caring for our physical and emotional health is not vanity—it is stewardship of what God has entrusted to us.
10. Using Age to Excuse Bad Behavior
Titus 2:2 — “Older men are to be sober-minded… sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.”
Scripture never lowers the moral bar with age; instead, it raises the call to maturity and self-control.
11. Repeating the Same Stories
Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “For everything there is a season.”
Stories can bless when shared wisely, but discernment helps us know when to speak—and when to make space for others.
12. Refusing to Learn Anything New
Proverbs 1:5 — “Let the wise hear and increase in learning.”
Biblical wisdom is never stagnant. A teachable spirit honors God at every stage of life.
You may think of some other Scriptures that would help our attitude and outlook as we age. If so, please share them.
Finally, consider the Psalmist’s exhortation to older folks:
Psalm 92:12–15–“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.”
Old age is pictured not as barrenness but as ongoing fruitfulness, especially in declaring God’s faithfulness.
With a view to eternal life, we can echo Robert Browning’s words from Rabbi Ben Ezra.
Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made:
Our times are in His hand
Who saith, ‘A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be
afraid!’
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
(Editor’s Note: This post was created with the help of writing and editing assistants of Grammarly, Google AI, and ChatGPT.)
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