Living With ADHD: How It Affects Us as We Get Older

You've probably heard of ADHD before, and you might even think of it as something only kids deal with. But the truth is, ADHD doesn't just magically disappear when you hit adulthood. As we get older, the way ADHD shows up in our lives can change, which requires ongoing adaptation and self-awareness.

How Do ADHD Symptoms Change as We Grow Older?

ADHD symptoms often morph and take on new forms, presenting fresh challenges at each stage of life. Below are the core changes of ADHD main symptoms evolving over time.

• Inattention: This is one of the hallmark symptoms of ADHD, tends to be the most stable over the lifespan. So, if you struggled with focus and concentration as a child, chances are you'll still face similar challenges as an adult.
• Hyperactivity: The restless energy that once had you fidgeting in your seat or running around constantly may turn inward as you get older. Instead of outward physical activity, you might feel an inner sense of restlessness, like your mind is constantly racing or you have difficulty sitting still for long sometimes even during enjoyable activities such as watching a movie.
• Impulsivity: Impulsivity also tends to change forms as we age. While children with ADHD might blurt out answers in class or act without thinking, adults may experience impulsivity more as emotional reactivity or sudden anger outbursts. Instead of physical impulsivity, you might find yourself saying things you later regret or making rash decisions in the heat of the moment.

Rather than symptoms intensifying with age, many individuals learn how to control or mask their symptoms, however during times of increased stress they may become more prominent. Stressors that can lead to increased symptoms in adults can often be positive ones, such as a new job or a promotion which is a cause for celebration but can lead to increased cognitive demands which may be more challenging for individuals with ADHD.

How ADHD Impact Our Lives as We Age

As we age, the challenges of living with ADHD can become more complex, from mental health struggles to difficulties in daily functioning and overall quality of life, the impact of ADHD can be far-reaching.

Mental Health Struggles with Aging

Studies have shown that people with ADHD are more likely than their neurotypical peers to be anxious and depressed. The stress of living with ADHD symptoms and the constant fight to keep up with daily tasks can lower self-esteem over time.

Additionally, for older adults studies show that people with ADHD are almost three times more likely to develop dementia than adults without the condition. Sleep issues are also common, with greater daytime sleepiness reported among older adults with ADHD.

Career Challenges in Adulthood

At work, it becomes pretty hard to succeed and be promoted in a career in the long run for people with ADHD. They often have lower employment rates compared to neurotypical people, more often change jobs, and have more financial problems. The cumulative effect is usually that of entering adulthood with greater financial strain and instability.

Social Isolation and Relationship Issues

Adults with ADHD are more likely to get divorced and feel lonely, and they often have trouble staying close to family and friends. Over time, the problems with relationships may cause individuals with ADHD to have smaller social networks.

Difficulties in Daily Functioning

ADHD can also significantly affect daily functioning as adults age. Executive function skills, such as planning, organization, and time management, become more important for juggling the increasing responsibilities of adulthood especially when individuals are trying to juggle family and work responsibilities. It can feel like an uphill battle to complete tasks and projects with difficulties in attention and multitasking that make it hard to keep on track.

Decreased Ability to Cope with Major Life Changes

In the case of older adults with ADHD, major life transitions such as retirement or the death of a spouse can be especially destabilizing. The loss of work-related structure and support systems can compound difficulties with motivation and productivity.

Poorer Quality of Life in Later Years

Older adults with ADHD are more likely to experience health problems, such as mobility issues, difficulties with self-care and daily activities, and higher rates of pain and discomfort.

How to Manage ADHD as We Age

While ADHD is a lifelong condition, it is manageable at any age. The key is finding strategies and support that work for your unique needs and stage of life.

Apply Medical and Therapeutic Interventions  

ADHD medication may still be an important part of a treatment plan of care as individuals age. Working with your medical provider to carefully monitor and adjust dosage can help strike the right balance between providing relief from ADHD symptoms and not exacerbating medical conditions that are more common as individuals age. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral approaches, can equip you with strategies tailored to your specific challenges and stage of life. ADHD coaching can help teach you skills to better manage your specific ADHD symptoms. Counseling and support groups can help you feel better emotionally and offer you advice from people who have been through the same thing.

Make Adjustments at Work and School

Small changes can make a big difference if you're still working. Things like a flexible schedule, noise-canceling headphones, or a quieter workspace are reasonable adjustments to request. There are also a lot of people with ADHD choosing to go back to school to work with the school's disability services to create a personalized plan that can set you up for success. If you are unsure about your current symptoms, discuss how best to assess your current symptoms with your provider(s).

Manage ADHD in Your Personal Life

Outside of work, establishing a routine in your everyday life helps to keep you on track. Setting routines for sleep, meals, exercise, and even socializing provides helpful structure. Educating your family and friends about ADHD will help them understand and support you more. Not everyone needs to know, but sharing with a few people you love can make your relationships so much easier.

Develop Good Habits

In addition to working with professionals, the creation of healthy habits helps people thrive with ADHD in later life. Regular exercise and a healthy diet have been proven to decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Mindfulness practices such as meditation increase your ability to self-regulate. And proactive stress relief, whether through deep breathing, spending time in nature, or a favorite hobby, shores up your resilience.

Implement Proactive Strategies to Live Well with ADHD

Ultimately, with self-awareness, proactive strategies, and appropriate support, aging with ADHD is more than manageable - it can be just as vibrant and fulfilling as aging without it. Though the journey has its challenges, increasing knowledge about your particular symptoms empowers you to shape your life in a way that works with, rather than against, your brain. No matter when you were diagnosed, it's never too late to learn how to not just live, but thrive, with ADHD.