Some people believe our personalities are formed by the age of 30. However, life experiences and other factors can change your personality over time, even as you enter your senior years. This may affect how you make decisions later on in life, such as what your wishes are for retirement or how open you are to making risky decisions. A personality test can shed some light on the personal season you find yourself in right now, which is why you should consider taking one.

It Leads to Self-Discovery

Self-discovery isn't relegated to the years after college when you decide to take a gap year to travel across Europe. Self-discovery is also an important part of your senior journey as you work through your values, beliefs and thoughts about certain topics. These personality tests can be telling, and you might find your views on certain topics have shifted over the years.

You May Develop Different Coping Mechanisms

When you reach your senior years, you have a wealth of experiences under your belt. However, you've probably also faced some of life's tougher hurdles, decisions and traumas. Knowing where your personality traits lie may help you deal with traumas differently as you age, as you now have the experience and the personality data to back up your coping strategies.

It Can Help You Build Stronger Relationships

Knowing your personality type can help you foster deeper, longer-lasting relationships. It lets you dig into certain personality traits that can hinder you from developing good relationships. You'll also have a better idea of the personality traits that work for you and that should be at the forefront of your interactions. Knowing your personal preferences also ensures that you build quality relationships because you won't settle for frivolous ones. By knowing what you like, you're better equipped to read others, too, which lets  you respond appropriately to their cues.

It May Ease Decision-Making

A personality assessment reveals facets of your personality you might not be aware of. It can impact important decisions — for instance, whether it's time to move to an assisted living community or where to invest your retirement money. When you know the finer aspects of your personality, it may ease the decision-making process, as you'll have a clearer understanding of your views, preferences and values.

You May Learn New Skills

In-depth personality assessments may reveal dormant parts of you that you might have forgotten about years ago, such as whether you have a love of languages, writing or playing a musical instrument. This may provide you with the opportunity to pursue further learning. Your personality assessment might also reveal hidden desires, such as volunteering or learning a trade skill.

It May Help You on Your Health Journey

We can whittle our health habits down to our personality traits. For instance, those with high-energy personalities will always find a way to include physical activity in their routine. However, if you find that a personality assessment reveals the opposite, you now have the opportunity to rectify the course. You can gain insight into eating habits, sleep and how much attention you give to self-care through some of these tests, too.

What You'll Do at Retirement

When you receive the golden handshake and retire, it's almost inevitable that the followup is the question, "What will you do now?" For some, the answer is clear because you've been thinking about this day almost your entire working career. Others may find this question daunting, as they honestly don't know the answer. Personality tests reveal your preferences in terms of activities. You'll soon know whether it's time to dust off those hiking boots or start an online side hustle instead.

You'll Learn About Your Mind

When you get the results of your personality test, you should have a better understanding of why you react the way you do. You'll also realize why you have certain feelings about things and why some things matter more than others. You'll have a better idea of what events, people or activities trigger a positive response and what you may need to avoid. This ensures you're better able to prepare yourself or simply change up your routine. You'll know when your vulnerabilities have been stretched and it's time to seek support.

It Leads to Self-Acceptance

A self-assessment is a great way to learn more about yourself. With aging comes fresh new perspectives and a clearer understanding of what you like and don't like. This makes way for a newfound confidence and an acceptance of things that might have derailed you in your younger years. For instance, you may discover something about your personality you never realized before that makes you proud.

At Bethesda Gardens Thornton, we provide enriching activities and arrange outings to ensure residents can explore different interests. We include a variety of activities to suit different needs, preferences and abilities, from fitness classes to arts and crafts.