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Introduction
Here’s an interesting question about ageing and free will. As we age, does the balance between free will and determinism shift in favour of the latter? Of course, this assumes that we have free will in the first place.
So, do we really have free will? or is it the case that our lives are slaves to cause and effect? Over two hundred years ago, Pierre-Simon Laplace designed an interesting thought experiment. The experiment has become known as Laplace’s demon.
Laplace’s demon is a mythical, omniscient beast. It knows what every particle of matter in the universe is doing and has the computational ability to analyse all the data it collects and thus accurately predict the future.
Laplace’s demon thought experiment is predicated on the idea that our present is determined by our past. And thus our future is determined by our present. Life, my life, your life, every life is, therefore, determined. Today we’d talk about a super-computer rather than a demon.
It’s an interesting speculation. For me, the very fact that whatever action I take, I could always have acted differently is a powerful empirical argument for free will. This is sometimes referred to as the principle of alternate possibilities. It is not universally accepted amongst philosophers.
Free will or fate? Take your pick. As you age, an intriguing paradox begins to unfold. You’ve spent a lifetime making choices, navigating the twists and turns of life, believing that you’re in control.
But is that really true? Do we have the freedom to shape our destiny, or are we merely passengers on a predestined course, influenced by forces far beyond our understanding?
As the years go by, this question becomes sharper, almost unavoidable: are we truly free, or does fate have a greater hand in the way our lives unfold?
The balance between free will and fate feels especially pertinent as we age, as experience, biology, and circumstance each take turns in the driver’s seat. So, let’s explore this complex topic. With age, do we gain more control over our lives, or are we held in the grasp of forces outside of our influence?
1. The Biological Constraints of Ageing
It’s no secret that the ageing process brings with it a variety of physical and mental changes. As your body and mind evolve, your choices can start to feel limited by the constraints of biology.
You may notice that decisions you once made with ease now require a little more thought, or perhaps your energy and motivation don’t always match your intentions.
This raises an important question: how much of what we think of as “free will” is tied to our physical and mental abilities?
As we age, many of us experience a slowing down—cognitively, physically, emotionally. Your brain may not be as sharp, your memory not as quick, nor your energy as plentiful.
For some, conditions such as arthritis or mobility issues might shape daily decisions, while others might experience changes in cognitive abilities, as is the case for people living with dementia.
These changes can impact the ability to make decisions or exercise the freedoms you once took for granted.
But even as the body slows down, does this mean we lose our autonomy? Perhaps instead, the limitations of ageing force us to make more deliberate and thoughtful choices. You may find yourself adapting, choosing more meaningful actions over the impulsivity of youth.
And in that sense, are we not still free to choose, within these new boundaries?
2. The Role of Life Experience and Wisdom
There’s another side to this story, one where age is a gateway to greater freedom. After all, life experience brings wisdom, doesn’t it?
As you grow older, you’ve learned from past mistakes, observed patterns in behaviour, and made sense of life’s ups and downs. You’ve developed a clearer understanding of what truly matters, and in doing so, you might find yourself making more conscious decisions than ever before.
Think about it. When you were younger, decisions were often rushed, guided by impulse or emotion. But now, with a lifetime of knowledge, you can approach situations more thoughtfully.
You’re less likely to be swayed by external pressures or fleeting desires. This ability to pause, reflect, and then choose with intention could be seen as a form of heightened free will. You’re no longer just reacting—you’re actively choosing.
Does this mean that free will increases with age? In some ways, it might. The wisdom gained from decades of experience can give you more control over your choices, allowing you to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
In the later stages of life, some find that they’re more empowered to follow their true desires and live in alignment with their authentic selves.
3. The Impact of Societal and Cultural Expectations
Then there’s the matter of society. It’s impossible to ignore the cultural norms and expectations that come with ageing. As you grow older, there are societal pressures dictating how you should live, what you should look like, and even how you should behave. This can be especially restrictive.
For example, there’s a general expectation that after a certain age, you retire, perhaps slow down, and assume a different role in the family or community.
Society often places limits on what older people are “allowed” to do. Is it any wonder that so many people feel a loss of agency as they age? Are we truly free to live as we please, or are our decisions shaped by what’s deemed appropriate by societal standards?
Of course, this varies across cultures. In some societies, elders are revered and considered fountains of wisdom, given the freedom to mentor and guide others.
In others, ageing might be seen as a decline, with older people often marginalised. Breaking free from these cultural norms can be liberating for some. You might have seen people reinventing themselves later in life—starting new careers, moving to different countries, or defying conventions to live life on their own terms. But for many, these expectations feel more like shackles.
4. The Influence of Fate and Unforeseen Circumstances
As you move through life, it becomes clear that not everything is within your control. Ageing often brings with it a wave of unexpected events—health issues, financial setbacks, the loss of loved ones—that can profoundly shape the course of your life.
This can lead to the sense that, despite your best efforts, fate might have a greater influence over your life than you once thought.
Consider those who experience sudden illness in later life or who find themselves caring for a spouse or partner. These circumstances are not the result of personal choices, but they profoundly affect daily life and future plans.
In moments like these, it’s easy to feel that free will is an illusion, and that life is governed by forces beyond your reach.
But does accepting fate mean surrendering entirely? Some would argue that embracing these challenges and learning to adapt still allows for freedom. You might not control what happens, but you can control how you respond to it.
In this sense, free will and fate might not be as opposing as they first seem. Perhaps they are two sides of the same coin, each influencing the other in ways we don’t always understand.
5. Spiritual and Esoteric Perspectives on Ageing and Free Will
In many spiritual traditions, ageing is viewed as a time to reflect on life’s deeper truths. You might find that, as you grow older, questions about free will and fate are answered not through science or society, but through spirituality.
Some belief systems, for example, encourage the idea of surrendering to the universe or recognising a higher power’s plan for your life.
Stoicism teaches the importance of focusing on what you can control and accepting what you cannot, while Eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Hinduism often promote the idea that life is a blend of destiny and free will.
As you age, there may be a growing sense of peace in letting go of the need to control every outcome.
In doing so, you might discover that true freedom lies not in resisting the natural course of events, but in embracing it. This spiritual approach suggests that both free will and fate are at play in life’s grand design, and the trick is in knowing when to push and when to flow with life’s currents.
Conclusion
So, what’s the truth about ageing and free will? It’s complex, isn’t it? On one hand, ageing may seem to limit your choices as biology and circumstance place new restrictions on your autonomy.
On the other hand, the wisdom and perspective you gain with time might free you in ways you never imagined.
In reality, ageing forces you to confront the delicate balance between free will and fate. You may not be able to control everything, but within the limits of life’s constraints, there is still room to choose how you navigate the journey.
Perhaps the real wisdom that comes with age is learning when to exercise your free will and when to surrender to the flow of life. Ultimately, it’s this balance that shapes the path ahead.
Do you have a view? Leave a comment.