Maybe @petitepedal can shed some light based on her experience with older people.
Grandparents came to the climbing gym to watch their granddaughters. After the youngest climbed atop the bouldering ladder, grandma said, “Now you’re stuck and you’ll have to spend the rest of the day there.” Grandpa said something like way to go. Then the older girl climbed a wall to the top, and grandpa said, “That was fast!” The girl replied, “I’ve climbed it before, and that one, and that one…” Grandma said to grandpa, “She’s just got it memorized; that’s why you think she’s fast.” So, I’m thinking grandma might be fading into senility, but grandpa has maintained his optimism.
But why do people turn mean-spirited or negative as they age? Or, have they always been grumpy? Born grumpy.
My dad varies depending on the memory he has stuck on loop in his head. But he’s generally affable, smiling and friendly. Joking. My SiL’s mom, though. She’s a bit much to be around.
Anyway, I don’t want to become a curmudgeon in old age. No fun to be around.