People who become increasingly withdrawn with age typically display these 7 behaviors (without realizing it)

As people get older, it’s not uncommon for their social lives to change. Priorities shift, energy levels fluctuate, and sometimes, life just feels a little too busy for the happy hours and group chats that used to be routine.

But for some, this natural evolution can take a sharper turn into withdrawal—gradually pulling back from social connections without even realizing it’s happening.

What’s tricky about this is how subtle it can be. These behaviors don’t announce themselves with flashing lights; they creep in, disguised as “I’m just tired,” or “I’ll catch up with them later.”

Over time, these small choices add up, and before they know it, they’re spending more time alone than they ever intended.

If this sounds familiar—whether it’s you or someone you know—here are 7 behaviors that often go hand in hand with becoming more withdrawn with age.

1) Decreased social interaction

It starts innocently enough—skipping one or two gatherings because you’re “too tired” or “not in the mood.”

Before you know it, weeks turn into months, and the invites start drying up because people assume you’re just not interested.

Decreased social interaction is one of the clearest signs of someone becoming more withdrawn, yet it often sneaks up without much fanfare.

What’s tricky here is the gradual nature of it. It’s easy to rationalize staying in: “I’ll catch up with them next time,” or “They won’t miss me at this one event.”

And sure, we all need some downtime. But when “next time” never comes, you might find yourself looking around and realizing that your social calendar is emptier than your fridge on grocery day.

What’s ironic is that this self-imposed isolation often feels like the safe, comfortable choice—but over time, it can leave you feeling lonelier than ever. Humans are wired for connection, even if we don’t always feel like seeking it out.

The solution? Start small. Say yes to coffee with a friend, join that hobby group you’ve been considering, or even just make a phone call. Sometimes, it’s the little steps that keep you from drifting too far into your own bubble.

2) Increased comfort in routine

This one hits close to home.

I used to be the kind of person who would jump at the chance for a last-minute road trip or a spontaneous dinner out.

But lately, I’ve been finding comfort in the predictable and familiar. I’ve started to prefer routine over spontaneity.

I noticed this shift when I started preferring my quiet evenings at home, reading my favorite book or watching an old movie, over going out with friends.

It took me by surprise because I was always known for my adventurous spirit.

At first, I just thought it was because I was getting busier or maybe a bit tired.

But when I started turning down opportunities that I would have jumped at just a few years ago, I realized something else was at play.

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to do these things, it was just that my comfort zone had changed.

And that’s the thing with becoming more withdrawn with age – it’s not always about isolating oneself from others, but often about finding more comfort in routine and predictability.

And most of the time, we don’t even realize this change is taking place.

3) Diminished interest in new experiences

Another common behavior of people who become increasingly withdrawn as they age is a declining interest in exploring new experiences.

This could manifest as a reluctance to travel to new places, try new foods, or even meet new people.

Previously passionate adventurers might find themselves content with the familiar, choosing to stick with what they know rather than venturing out into the unknown.

They may argue that it’s about comfort or convenience, but it’s often a sign of withdrawal.

Research indicates that as individuals age, they may experience a decrease in openness to new experiences, which can contribute to social withdrawal and reduced engagement in novel activities.

The intriguing part? Most don’t even realize this shift.

They might think they’re just becoming more selective or that their tastes are evolving. But in reality, it could be a sign of subtly retreating from the world.

Keep in mind, a change in interests isn’t inherently negative. But when it means closing off to new experiences entirely, it’s worth paying attention to.

4) Decreased mindfulness

As we age and start to become more withdrawn, one behavior that often takes a hit is mindfulness.

We seem to lose that ability to live in the moment, to fully engage with our surroundings and to appreciate the here and now.

I’ve seen this in many of my peers and even in myself. Our minds tend to get caught up in the past or the future, and we forget to truly experience the present moment. This detachment from the present can be a significant indicator of withdrawal.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I discuss how essential mindfulness is for our overall well-being. It not only helps us stay connected with ourselves but also with the world around us.

And trust me, it’s easier than you think!

5) Neglecting self-care

There’s often a noticeable shift in prioritizing self-care when someone becomes more withdrawn. Routine health checks, daily exercise, a balanced diet – these things all take a backseat.

I remember a time when I’d put off my annual health check-up, not because I didn’t have the time, but because I just didn’t feel like it. The same went for my daily jogs. It was as if I was gradually losing the motivation to take care of myself.

This isn’t about being lazy or careless. It’s a subtle sign of withdrawal where one’s own well-being becomes less of a priority.

It’s essential to be mindful of these changes, not just for our physical health but for our mental well-being too.

After all, self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

6) Increased screen time

In our digitally connected world, this one might seem a bit counter-intuitive.

You’d think that spending more time on screens, especially on social media, would make someone more connected, not less.

But that’s not always the case. Research indicates that excessive screen time, particularly on social media, is associated with increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Increased screen time can often be a form of escapism rather than genuine connection. It’s an easy way to feel like you’re part of the world without actually engaging with it.

But in reality, it can be a subtle sign of becoming more withdrawn from real-world interactions.

7) Avoidance of change

The most glaring sign of someone becoming increasingly withdrawn with age is a heightened avoidance of change.

This could be anything from resisting new technology to avoiding major life changes or decisions.

Change is inevitable, and our ability to adapt to it is critical. But as some age, they might find themselves increasingly resistant to it.

They may prefer the safety and predictability of their current situation, even if it’s not ideal.

Research indicates that older adults often exhibit a preference for routine and familiarity, which can lead to resistance to change and new experiences.

This avoidance of change isn’t just about comfort. It’s a sign of withdrawal, a retreat into familiarity and predictability.

It’s crucial to recognize this behavior for what it is—a defense mechanism against the uncertainties of life.

Recognizing this pattern is key, not just to understanding withdrawal but also to finding ways to gently reintroduce openness to new experiences.

After all, even small steps toward change can spark meaningful growth.

Conclusion

Becoming more withdrawn with age is something many people experience, often without realizing it.

These subtle behaviors—like avoiding change or decreasing social interaction—can creep in and slowly isolate us from the world around us.

But the good news is that it’s never too late to break the cycle.

With a little awareness and intentional effort, we can reconnect with others, embrace change, and find joy in the present moment.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I explore how mindfulness can help us navigate these subtle changes in our lives. It equips us with the tools we need to live fully in the present moment and embrace the ever-changing nature of our existence.

By staying present and grounded, we can better understand our habits and make conscious choices to stay connected and engaged.

Life is full of transitions, and mindfulness offers a powerful tool for meeting them with grace and resilience.