Ever hear a kid say that Grandma is nicer than Mom? Well, the little one may be on to something. Researchers have found that "emotional intelligence" peaks after age 60, meaning that older generations are more sensitive and empathetic than their younger counterparts.
This fact came to light after scientists performed an experiment, asking adults in their 20s, 40s and 60s to react to a variety of movie clips. Those in the oldest group were able to see the negative situations in a more positive light, proving that adults develop a coping strategy as they age, which allows them to draw on lessons learned from the past.
One researcher, Dr. Benjamin Seider, explained, "In late life, individuals often adopt different perspectives and goals that focus more on close interpersonal relationships. By doing so, they become increasingly sensitized to sadness because the shared experience of sadness leads to greater intimacy in interpersonal relationships."
Don't fret though -- sadness isn't necessarily a bad thing: "Sadness can be a particularly meaningful and helpful emotion in late life, as we are inevitably confronted with and need to deal with the losses we experience in our own life and with the need to give comfort to others."
Chalk another one up for the mature folk! Wisdom comes with age? Check! Aging makes you nicer? Check! Aging makes you more attractive? We know it's true, but we're waiting for the study.
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Barbara Sharnak is an entertainment/lifestyle producer and writer. She's worked for Clear Channel's Kiss 108 FM, Sky TV, WebVet.com and currently works as an Associate Director at United Stations Radio Networks.
