Sometimes, you might catch an older adult in your life speaking out loud when they’re alone. It can be a momentary puzzle—why are they doing that? Is this a symptom of something deeper?
Talking to yourself is a surprisingly common behavior across all age groups. However, as we live longer, the appearance of self-talk may indicate a deeper issue. Self-talk can signal a larger issue and a potential need for special care when:
- The things they say don’t make sense.
- They’re arguing or displaying distress.
- Hallucinations become part of the habit.
- It’s accompanied by drastic changes in behavior.
What Is Self-Talk?
Before we jump into the reasons, let’s first clarify this behavior. Self-talk happens when a person speaks thoughts, plans, or feelings aloud. These aren’t conversations meant for someone else but are more of an expression of what’s on the speaker’s mind.
For older adults, self-talk can range from simply rehearsing a grocery list or talking through a piece of advice they’d like to share with a friend to sorting through life’s deeper questions aloud.
Why Talking to Yourself Is More Common than You Think
Everyone, regardless of age, talks to themselves at some point. For example:
- A young professional might mumble steps under their breath while assembling furniture.
- A student might recite exam concepts aloud, hoping to commit them to memory.
- Parents may talk themselves down with pep talks after a challenging day.
But with older adults, certain life factors—like retirement, reduced social interaction, or time spent alone—can increase this vocal habit.
The Reasons Older Adults Might Talk to Themselves
Older adults might talk to themselves for a variety of reasons, including:
1. Organizing Their Thoughts
Talking to oneself can help one manage daily tasks. It’s like a tool for clarity or focus, especially for juggling things like bills, health appointments, or medications. Hearing these plans aloud can help cement them in their memory while creating a sense of structure.
2. They’re Reliving Memories
Self-talk can be a nostalgic tool. Older adults may recount treasured stories or speak snippets of memories aloud to themselves to feel connected to the past. Nostalgia delivered through self-talk can be an emotional connection to their personal history.
3. They’re Being Their Own Friend
Living longer sometimes brings increased solitude. For those who are widowed, retired, or living independently, self-talk can serve as a form of connection, even if it’s with themselves. Whether it’s a chuckle at their joke or simply repeating, “Oh, that’s alright,” during a quiet afternoon, self-talk can incorporate warmth into their day.
4. Coping with Stress or Anxiety
Self-talk isn’t just practical—it offers emotional relief. Positive affirmations or voicing worries aloud can calm the mind. Simple phrases like “just breathe” can help self-soothe when feeling overwhelmed.
5. Processing Complex Issues
For older adults managing health conditions or personal problems, self-talk often becomes a form of thinking out loud. It’s a way to process feelings and think through the next steps. Speaking these observations aloud can clarify feelings about certain hurdles.
When Self-Talk Is Concerning
It’s important to note that, in most cases, talking to oneself isn’t cause for alarm. However, there are certain situations when self-talk could point to larger concerns.
1. The Things They Say Don’t Make Sense
If someone’s self-talk includes fragmented sentences, nonsensical phrasing, or frequent repetition of the same idea, it may be worth exploring with a doctor. This could suggest cognitive issues like mild dementia or memory impairment.
2. They’re Arguing or Displaying Distress
If self-talk turns agitated—including arguing with imaginary people or expressions of frustration—it might reflect mounting stress, feelings of isolation, or unresolved emotional concerns. Such displays could indicate signs of anxiety, anger, or social withdrawal that need to be addressed.
3. Hallucinations Become Part of the Habit
If self-talk leans into conversing with imagined figures—recurring people or voices that don’t exist—it might indicate a need to see a healthcare professional for potential neurological or mental health assessments.
4. Drastic Changes in Behavior
Is this self-directed conversation completely new? Has it increased alongside other behavioral adjustments, like disruptions in sleep, appetite, or mood? These combined changes warrant further investigation.
How to Support a Loved One with Memory Problems
If you’re concerned about an older adult in your life, the first step is approaching the situation with kindness and curiosity, not judgment. Here’s how to take that step forward thoughtfully.
- Ask open-ended questions: “I notice you’ve been talking to yourself more these days—how does that feel for you?”
- Offer gentle observations: “I’ve been wondering how you’ve been feeling lately. Do you want to chat about anything on your mind?”
- Encourage professional support: Suggest they join you for a wellness exam or chat with their doctor. Sometimes, self-talk changes overlap with treatable health conditions like anxiety or early-stage cognitive shifts.
Joining forces with them, rather than making it feel like a confrontation, builds trust and understanding.
Memory Care as a Solution
Sometimes, self-talk signals wisdom, humor, or someone quietly enjoying their own company. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for symptoms that may indicate something deeper is going on.
At Juniper Village at Louisville, we offer compassionate memory care for all residents. Contact us to schedule a tour today.