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Older adults Quote by Meg Jay

“Knowing what to overlook is one way older adults are typically wiser than young adults. With age comes what is known as positivity effect. We become more interested in positive information, and our brains react less strongly to what negative information we do encounter” quote by Meg Jay
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“Knowing what to overlook is one way older adults are typically wiser than young adults. With age comes what is known as positivity effect. We become more interested in positive information, and our brains react less strongly to what negative information we do encounter”

Meg Jay

About This Quote

Source Article: The Power of Positivity in Aging, Psychology Today, 2020

Older adults tend to focus on positive information, a bias called the positivity effect, making them appear wiser than younger people who attend more to negatives.

In simple terms: Older people ignore negatives, focusing on positives, which seems wiser.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and balance positivity bias.

Themes

wisdom aging positivity bias emotional regulation

Mood

reflective balanced

Type

advice psychology

When to use this quote

  • decision making
  • interpersonal relationships
  • mental health
  • career planning

Key Concepts

positivity effect cognitive bias life experience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does focusing on positivity affect problem solving?
  • When should you seek negative information?
A Different Perspective

Positivity bias can cause neglect of real problems.

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