Mental models are the ways we think about and understand the world around us. But it's not always easy to change how we think as we grow older. Here’s why:

• Cognitive Rigidity: As we get older, the ways we think can become stiff. This means we might not be open to new ideas or information.
• Overgeneralization: Sometimes, we take past experiences and use them to make broad conclusions. This makes it hard to adjust to new or different situations.
• Confirmation Bias: People often look for information that supports what they already believe. This can stop us from accepting new or opposing ideas.

So, how can we make it easier to change our thinking?

1. Continuous Learning: Always being open to learning new things can help us adjust and improve our mental models.
2. Critical Thinking: Thinking carefully and questioning our own beliefs can help reduce biases and make our thinking more flexible.

By focusing on learning and thoughtful analysis, we can better adapt our mental models throughout our lives.