How does the aging narcissist man change over time? Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
When people with narcissm are younger, you might wonder why do narcissist walk away so easily.
However, as people with narcissism age, their personality also change and you might have different questions about them.
For the narcissist, this can mean a tumultuous journey as they confront the inevitable challenges of aging. Their traits can either mellow or intensify.
This blog post will delve into how aging narcissists experience a decline in their mental and emotional well-being.
What happens to narcissistic men as they age?
As narcissistic men age, they often experience a range of changes in their personality and behavior. Here are some common trends that are often observed in aging narcissistic men:
Disturbance in Family Dynamics
As narcissists age, their influence on family dynamics, particularly regarding new family members like children-in-law, can be disruptive. Aging narcissists may continue to seek control and dominance within the family, including over new members like daughters-in-law and sons-in-law.
They often feel threatened by the attention and affection given to new family members, especially if they perceive them as rivals for attention or admiration.
This jealousy can lead to competition and conflict within the family. Because of that, they can be highly critical and disapproving of new family members, particularly if they perceive them as not living up to their standards or threatening their self-image.
Exaggerating illness
When a narcissist’s health declines, they may exaggerate or even fabricate their ailments to garner sympathy and concern from those around them. This attention serves as a form of validation for their sense of self-importance and feeds their need for constant admiration. Narcissists often crave the attention and care of others, and they may go to great lengths to ensure they receive it. By exaggerating their health issues, they can ensure that others are focused on them and that they are the center of attention.
Victim Mentality
As aging narcissists encounter life’s challenges, they may adopt a victim mentality, viewing themselves as unfairly targeted by circumstances or other people.
They may blame others for their difficulties, refusing to take responsibility for their actions or decisions. This can lead to a cycle of resentment and bitterness, further isolating them from supportive relationships.
Increased Insecurity and Anxiety
Aging can bring about a loss of physical attractiveness and a decline in cognitive abilities.
For narcissistic men who derive much of their self-worth from their appearance and intelligence, this can be a major blow to their self-esteem. They may become more anxious and insecure as they struggle to maintain their sense of superiority.
Bigger insecurities for narcissistic man lead to more intense ways to protect their vulnerable side and defense mechanisms. They may also become more preoccupied with their physical appearance and health, leading to increased worry and distress.
Decreased Flexibility and Adaptability
As an aging narcissist man gets older, he may become less flexible and adaptable to change.
For narcissistic men who are used to having their way and being in control, this can be particularly challenging. They may become more rigid in their thinking and less willing to consider alternative perspectives or compromise.
Decreased Empathy
Narcissistic men are known for their lack of empathy, but this tendency can become even more pronounced as they age. They might become more hurtful and make you wonder why does a narcissist hate me.
They may become more self-centered and less concerned with the needs and feelings of others. Narcissistic men often struggle to form and maintain meaningful relationships, and this difficulty can become even more pronounced as they age.
They may become increasingly isolated and lonely as they push away those who try to get close to them.
Struggling with Vulnerability
Narcissists are known for their fear of vulnerability. The aging narcissist man may become even more defensive and sensitive to criticism or perceived threats to their self-esteem.
They may struggle with acknowledging their vulnerabilities and may react with hostility or withdrawal when confronted with them.
This can manifest as clinginess or possessiveness in relationships, as they seek reassurance and validation from others to bolster their fragile self-image.
Aging narcissists may become more dependent on others for emotional support and validation, particularly as their physical health declines or their social circle narrows.
Facing Mortality
As aging narcissists confront their mortality, they may experience a crisis of identity. The realization that they are not as special or invulnerable as they once believed can be deeply unsettling. This can lead to existential angst and a desperate attempt to cling to their sense of self-worth.
Other questions about The Aging Narcissist Man
What are types of narcissism?
While definitions and categorizations may vary slightly across different sources, according to a study in 1992, there are generally three main types of narcissism:
Hypersensitive Narcissism
This type involves being overly sensitive to criticism or perceived slights. People with this type of narcissism may react strongly to feedback or perceived insults, often feeling hurt or offended easily.
Autonomous Narcissism
This type is characterized by a strong sense of self-confidence and independence. Individuals with autonomous narcissism tend to have high self-esteem and may appear self-assured or assertive.
Willfulness Narcissism
This type involves a strong desire for control and dominance. People with willfulness narcissism may be manipulative or domineering in their interactions with others, seeking to maintain power and influence over them.
Do narcissists change as they get older?
According to a study from 2011, some people with narcissism above 34 years old show more focus on self-focused traits. However, the study showed that different types of narcissism change differently over time.
Studies showed that Hypersensitive narcissism tends to decrease as individuals age, autonomous narcissism tends to increase as individuals age and willfulness narcissism tends to remain relatively stable over time.
| Narcissism Type | Characteristics | Change Over Time |
| Hypersensitive Narcissism | – Overly sensitive to criticism- Easily offended or hurt- Reacts strongly to perceived slights | Decreases over time |
| Autonomous Narcissism | – High self-confidence- Independence- Assertive- Strong sense of self-esteem | Increases over time |
| Willfulness Narcissism | – Desire for control and dominance- Manipulative or domineering behavior | Remains relatively stable over time |
Do narcissists live long lives?
There isn’t a clear correlation between narcissism and lifespan. Some studies suggest that narcissism may hurt health and longevity due to its association with stress, risky behaviors, and poor coping mechanisms. However, other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and access to healthcare play significant roles.
At what age do narcissists change?
Narcissists can potentially change at any age, but it often becomes more difficult as they get older due to their entrenched personality traits and coping mechanisms. However, significant life events, such as a major health scare, loss of a loved one, or therapy, can sometimes prompt change in narcissistic behavior.
Do narcissists get worse as they age?
For some, narcissistic traits may worsen with age. As they confront their own mortality and face changes in their physical and cognitive abilities, they may become more desperate to maintain their sense of superiority, leading to increased aggression, hostility, and anxiety.
Do covert narcissists worsen as they age?
Covert narcissists may become more pronounced in their behavior as they age, especially if they feel increasingly threatened by their declining abilities or mortality. They may become more manipulative or passive-aggressive in their attempts to maintain control and attention.
What are the long-term effects on a narcissist?
The long-term effects of narcissism can be detrimental to both the individual and those around them. Narcissists may struggle to form and maintain meaningful relationships, leading to loneliness and isolation. They may also experience chronic stress, anxiety, and depression as they confront the realities of aging and their declining abilities.
How does dementia impact a narcissist?
Dementia can present unique challenges for narcissists. As their cognitive abilities decline, they may become more confused and disoriented, which can exacerbate their narcissistic tendencies. They may become more aggressive or hostile as they struggle to maintain control and attention.
What challenges do narcissists face in their 50s?
In their 50s, narcissists may face a range of challenges related to aging. They may struggle to maintain their physical appearance and may become more anxious and insecure as they confront their mortality. They may also experience difficulties in their relationships, as their family members and friends become increasingly frustrated with their self-centered behavior.
Aging Narcissist Man Change – Conclusion
In conclusion, the aging narcissist man change can be significant. He faces a unique set of challenges as they confront the realities of aging.
From a victim mentality to a fear of vulnerability, these individuals may struggle to maintain their sense of self-importance in the face of declining abilities and changing family dynamics.
As aging narcissist man changes, he confront their own mortality, may experience a crisis of identity, leading to anxiety and depression.
It is important for aging narcissists to seek support and therapy to navigate these challenges and find a sense of fulfillment and acceptance in their later years.