Recent research shows that personality traits continue to change throughout adulthood, including old age. Personality traits are defined as enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. While some researchers previously believed that personality traits stop changing in adulthood, recent studies have shown that they do change, often significantly. These changes are most pronounced in young adulthood (ages 20–40), with people showing increased self-confidence, warmth, self-control, and emotional stability. Middle and old age also see mean-level changes in personality traits, indicating that personality development occurs at any age. Individual differences in personality change are also significant. Some people change more or less than the average, and these differences are influenced by specific life experiences. For example, people with successful careers show increases in emotional stability and conscientiousness, while those involved in problematic work behaviors may show decreases in these traits. The concept of individual differences in change is central to lifespan developmental theory, emphasizing that personality change is an individual-level variable. Studies using longitudinal data show that personality traits change over time, with more pronounced changes in those who are followed for longer periods. The direction of change is generally positive, with people becoming more confident, warm, responsible, and calm as they age. These changes are associated with social maturity, which is linked to better relationships, work performance, and health outcomes. Research also highlights the importance of considering individual differences in personality change, as not everyone follows the same pattern. Factors such as life experiences, work, and social roles influence these changes. The study of personality development is still evolving, with a need for more diverse research across cultures and a better understanding of the mechanisms driving personality change. Future research should incorporate more methodological diversity and explore the causal factors behind personality trait changes.Recent research shows that personality traits continue to change throughout adulthood, including old age. Personality traits are defined as enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. While some researchers previously believed that personality traits stop changing in adulthood, recent studies have shown that they do change, often significantly. These changes are most pronounced in young adulthood (ages 20–40), with people showing increased self-confidence, warmth, self-control, and emotional stability. Middle and old age also see mean-level changes in personality traits, indicating that personality development occurs at any age. Individual differences in personality change are also significant. Some people change more or less than the average, and these differences are influenced by specific life experiences. For example, people with successful careers show increases in emotional stability and conscientiousness, while those involved in problematic work behaviors may show decreases in these traits. The concept of individual differences in change is central to lifespan developmental theory, emphasizing that personality change is an individual-level variable. Studies using longitudinal data show that personality traits change over time, with more pronounced changes in those who are followed for longer periods. The direction of change is generally positive, with people becoming more confident, warm, responsible, and calm as they age. These changes are associated with social maturity, which is linked to better relationships, work performance, and health outcomes. Research also highlights the importance of considering individual differences in personality change, as not everyone follows the same pattern. Factors such as life experiences, work, and social roles influence these changes. The study of personality development is still evolving, with a need for more diverse research across cultures and a better understanding of the mechanisms driving personality change. Future research should incorporate more methodological diversity and explore the causal factors behind personality trait changes.