Are you worried about an aging narcissist in your life? It can be difficult to deal with someone who has a personality disorder, but it is important to be able to identify the warning signs. In this blog post, we will discuss the characteristics of aging narcissists and provide tips for coping with them. If you have a loved one who is showing signs of narcissistic aging, it is important to get help from a professional.
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What Does Aging Narcissist Mean?
An aging narcissist is a person who becomes more and more narcissistic as they age. They may have always been somewhat narcissistic, but it becomes worse as they age. As narcissism comes within the category of personality disorders, it is not a mental illness. It is, however, a personality disorder that can cause a great deal of harm to those around them.
There are many different types of narcissists, but aging narcissists tend to share some common traits. They may become more irritable, impatient, and demanding. In fact, other types of narcissists may become more mellow with age, but aging narcissists often do not.
One of the most common traits of an aging narcissist is a sense of entitlement. They feel that they are owed things and that other people should cater to their every need and want. They may become manipulative and try to control those around them in order to get what they want.
There have been studies regarding personality disorders and aging. The results of these studies show that narcissism does not necessarily increase with age. However, it is more likely to increase if someone already has narcissistic tendencies. This means that if you know someone who is a narcissist, they may become even more narcissistic as they age. Let’s discuss some warning signs to identify an aging narcissist.
Symptoms Of An Aging Narcissist
There are some symptoms that you can look for if you think someone you know might be an aging narcissist. These include:
- Inflated sense of self-importance
- Need for constant admiration and attention
- Lack of empathy for others
- Tendency to take advantage of others
- A belief that they are better than everyone else
- Sense of entitlement
- Exploitative behavior
- Manipulative behavior
- Lack of remorse or guilt
- Unreasonable expectations of others
These are just some of the signs that someone might be an aging narcissist. If you notice any of these behaviors in someone you know, it is important to take action and get help if necessary. Also, it is suggested that you avoid confrontations with an aging narcissist, as they can often become violent or abusive.
If you think someone in your life might be an aging narcissist, there are some things you can do to cope with the situation. But at first, you need to understand that you cannot change or fix the person. You also need to be prepared for the possibility that they will never change.
Warning Signs Of An Aging Narcissist
There are some warning signs that can help you identify an aging narcissist. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Become more reclusive and only want to spend time with people they feel are worthy of their attention.
- May lose interest in the people around them altogether.
- May find that they are no longer able to tolerate the imperfections of others and may lash out in anger or frustration.
- Often feel entitled to special treatment and may demand it from those around them.
- May become increasingly critical of others, especially family members or close friends.
If you suspect these warning signs in someone close to you, it is important to take action. Also, you should understand that not all narcissists are created equal. There are different types of narcissism, and each type manifests differently.
For example, there are three main types of narcissism:
- Grandiose
- Vulnerable
- Malignant
Each type has its own set of characteristics, which can help you identify the type of narcissist you are dealing with. And each type can be toxic to the wrong person.
Therefore, it is important to identify the warning signs and take action accordingly. If you suspect that someone in your life is an aging narcissist, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
Why Do Narcissists Become Toxic As They Age?
It is believed that narcissists can be anyone, male or female, young or old. It is also believed that we all have a little narcissistic tendency within us. So, what happens when a narcissist ages? Do they mellow out and become less selfish as time goes by? So, the answer is yes, because when a person ages, their true personality seems to intensify.
Here are some reasons why a narcissist tends to be toxic as they age:
Unable to handle criticism well
This is probably the number one sign that a narcissist is getting older and more toxic. They simply cannot handle any type of criticism, whether it is constructive or not. It will always feel like an attack on them. In fact, this is relatable to normal aging, as many people tend to become more sensitive to criticism as they age. So, when it comes to narcissism and age, the two go hand-in-hand.
Losing touch with reality
As narcissist ages, they tend to become more and more out of touch with reality. They start to believe their own lies and delusions. This is because they have been telling themselves these lies for so long that they actually start to believe them. Also, these older people with narcissism tend to become more reclusive and isolate themselves from the outside world.
This is extremely dangerous because it means that they are not getting any feedback from other people to help them keep their delusions in check. They are living in a fantasy world where they are the center of attention and everyone loves and admires them.
Become more manipulative
As a narcissist gets older, they also seem to get better at manipulating those around them. They will often use manipulation tactics to get what they want or need. This can be anything from guilt-tripping to playing the victim card. Also, the level of manipulation can increase with age. More often than not, an aging narcissist will have a group of people that they can manipulate to do their bidding.
Lose interest in others
While a young narcissist may be the life of the party, an aging narcissist is often more interested in themselves than anyone else. They may become more reclusive and only want to spend time with people who they feel are worthy of their attention. In fact, with time, an aging narcissist may become so self-absorbed that they lose interest in the people around them altogether.
Tend to be more impatient
It is not uncommon for an aging narcissist to become more impatient with the people and world around them. They may find that they are no longer able to tolerate the imperfections of others and may lash out in anger or frustration. This can be especially difficult for family members or close friends who are used to the narcissist’s charming facade.
While some of these qualities may seem harmless, they can quickly turn toxic in the wrong hands. If you suspect that someone in your life is an aging narcissist, it is important to be on the lookout for the warning signs.
Tips For Coping With An Aging Narcissist
When you are dealing with an aging narcissist, there are some things you can do to make the situation more bearable. Here are a few tips:
Accept them for who they are
Narcissists do not change, so try to accept them for who they are. This does not mean you have to like everything about them, but it will make dealing with them easier if you can come to terms with who they are. In fact, it may even be possible to find some redeeming qualities in them. As aging narcissists are already set in their ways, it is unlikely they will change, so you need to be the one who adapts.
Focus on your own needs
It is important to focus on your own needs when you are dealing with a narcissist. This means setting boundaries and not allowing yourself to be abused. Remember, you are not responsible for their happiness, so do not let them control you. Instead, you should focus on taking care of yourself and doing what is best for you. Also, try to find a support group or therapist to talk to about the situation, as this can be very helpful.
Be prepared for manipulation
One of the biggest challenges when dealing with an aging narcissist is their ability to manipulate those around them. They may try to take advantage of you emotionally, financially, or even physically. It is important to be aware of this and be prepared for it. You should also have a plan in place in case they try to manipulate or control you. More often, you can just walk away from the situation and not engage with them.
Ignore the insults
Aging narcissists often resort to insult when they are feeling threatened or insecure. It is important to ignore these comments and not take them personally. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of yourself and your relationship with the narcissist. This will help you to cope with their behavior and not allow it to affect you negatively. In this way, you can maintain a healthy relationship with an aging narcissist.
Make sure you set boundaries
Boundaries are really important when you are dealing with an aging narcissist. You need to make sure you set boundaries in order to protect yourself from their manipulation and abuse. Remember, you are not responsible for their happiness, so do not let them control you. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself and doing what is best for you.
Develop healthy habits
If you are living with an aging narcissist, it is important to develop some healthy habits that can help you cope. One of the most important things you can do is to take care of yourself. This means getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and staying active. It is also important to find an outlet for your feelings. Writing in a journal or talking to a therapist can help you process your emotions and deal with the stress of living with a narcissist.
Set boundaries
It does not matter if the narcissist is your parent, partner, friend, or boss – you need to set boundaries. When you have clear boundaries, it will be easier for you to stick to them. For example, if your narcissistic parent always asks for money, set a limit on how much you are willing to give them. If your narcissist partner is always putting you down, set a boundary on how much you will tolerate it. Enabling behavior only feeds the narcissist’s ego. So, if you have been enabling your aging narcissist, it is time to stop.
Seek professional help
If you feel like you cannot handle the situation on your own, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you deal with the emotions you are experiencing. They can also provide you with coping mechanisms to deal with the narcissist in your life. In fact, there are innumerable options of therapies that focus on helping people deal with narcissists. And you can find the one that works for you. Some of the therapies include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
Take care of yourself
This is very important. Dealing with a narcissist can be emotionally draining. So, it is important to take care of yourself. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy food, and exercise regularly. Also, make time for activities that make you happy. Doing things you enjoy will help you deal with the stress of dealing with a narcissist.
So these are some things to keep in mind if you think you are dealing with an aging narcissist. Remember, it is important to set boundaries and take care of yourself. If you need help, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. In fact, it is highly recommended when it comes to dealing with narcissists. Remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have gone through this and come out the other side. You can do this too. Stay strong and take care of yourself.
Conclusion
To conclude, an aging narcissist is often an individual who is no longer able to maintain the same level of power and control they once had. As a result, they may become more defensive, paranoid, and critical of those around them. It is difficult to maintain a relationship with someone who is an aging narcissist. But it is possible if you are able to set boundaries and stick to them.
If you find yourself in a situation where you must deal with an aging narcissist, remember to be patient, stay calm, and be prepared for manipulation. Moreover, you can contact Mantra Care for professional help.
Mantra Care provides support and guidance for those dealing with aging narcissists. Our team of experts can help you create a plan to protect yourself and your loved ones. You can also book a therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.
