I’m an old soul: Is there a science to it?

I’ve always had an old soul, gravitated towards older people and just looked at life in a different way than most of my peers.

It’s a blessing and a curse to have an old soul and it makes me wonder, are there any studies on this?

So naturally, I asked my personal assistant.

This is what he (ChatGPT) gave me:

There aren’t many direct scientific studies on the concept of an “old soul,” but several areas of research touch on related traits like wisdom, introspection, personality, and cognitive processing. Here are a few key fields where relevant studies exist:

1. Wisdom Research

• Neuroscience of Wisdom: A study by Dilip V. Jeste and Thomas W. Meeks (2013) explores how wisdom is linked to brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. Their research suggests that wisdom involves emotional regulation, empathy, and deep reflection—qualities often associated with “old souls.”

• “The Neurobiology of Wisdom” (Jeste & Harris, 2010): This study suggests that wisdom-related traits, such as prosocial behavior and self-reflection, are linked to specific brain circuits.

2. Personality & Cognitive Processing

• Big Five Personality Traits: Studies show that people high in Openness to Experience and Conscientiousness tend to be more introspective and philosophical, traits that align with the “old soul” stereotype.

• Highly Sensitive People (HSPs): Research by Dr. Elaine Aron on sensory processing sensitivity suggests that some people are biologically wired to be more reflective and intuitive, which may contribute to an “old soul” disposition.

3. Existential & Spiritual Psychology

• Carl Jung’s Theory of Individuation: Jung believed that some people naturally seek deeper meaning in life and undergo self-actualization earlier than others.

• Transpersonal Psychology: Studies in this field explore how people develop wisdom, spiritual insight, and a sense of deep connection to humanity.

4. Epigenetics & Ancestral Influence

• Trauma & Memory Inheritance: Research on epigenetics (e.g., studies on Holocaust survivors’ descendants) suggests that emotional experiences can be passed down, potentially influencing deep reflection and wisdom in future generations.

Wasn’t that interesting?

This old soul feels smarter already.

But really, I think what makes someone an old soul is just having that ability to discern things and situations. I also think it’s the ability to step outside of oneself and to listen intently to others and to learn. For me, self-awareness is a big key to being an old soul. I think old souls might have an edge on folks who don’t have those traits because even as critical as I am of myself, I understand these traits also are positive too. I also know that they can affect how one views themselves and others and how they communicate with others.

I’d love to think that it’s my personality and how I was raised that helped shape me. I also think it’s interesting that as we gain new experiences our brains literally change and have spots from traumas we experience. Maybe I’m more spotted than others? Or maybe God made me just the way He wanted me with a little sugar and a lot of spice.