If seniors are armed with the facts about the myths and realities of aging, individuals, families, and our society is better able to view older adults as resources and to provide appropriate support for those in need of assistance. And yes, aging well can be a reality.
A snapshot of today’s older adults and facts to help dispel myths about aging.
The United States — and the world — are aging. The number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to double from 46 million to more than 98 million by 2060. It will be the first time in history that the number of older adults outnumbers children under age 5. In addition, older adults will live longer than ever before: One out of every four 65-year-olds today will live past age 90. This demographic shift has moved the focus of researchers, health care providers and policymakers from how to extend the lifespan to ways to improve the quality of our later years. Staying healthy, active and productive are admirable goals for our nation’s older adults. However, society’s view of “old age” has not always kept up with the reality of being old in America. Many current beliefs about aging were based on information that is no longer valid given recent scientific advances.
A snapshot of today’s older adults
Perspective about today’s older adults
Why not all older adults are alike
Many assume that older adults are all alike. However, as this age group includes five decades of individuals, the differences among older adults are great — actually greater than those seen in other age groups.
- Whereas today, most older adults are White, a dramatic transformation will occur within the next two decades, resulting in a population that is more culturally diverse.
- Between 2010 and 2030, the White population 65+ is projected to increase by 59 percent, compared with 160 percent for older minorities. Older Latinos will account for the largest increase: In 2030, they will constitute 22 percent of the older population, compared to 8 percent of today’s older adults. The population of older immigrants in the U.S. has increased by 70 percent in the last 20 years, from 2.7 million to 4.6 million.
Cognitive and mental health
- For most older adults, age-associated changes in cognition (thinking) are mild and do not significantly interfere with daily functioning.
- Older adults are capable of learning new skills even late in life, though learning may take longer than for younger adults.
- Short-term memory shows noticeable changes with age, but long-term memory declines less with age.
- Some changes in cognition are normal with age, such as slower reaction times and reduced problem-solving abilities. The speed with which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved also slows as we age. However, many older adults outperform their younger counterparts on intelligence tests that draw on accumulated knowledge and experience.
- Wisdom and creativity often continue to the very end of life.
- Personality traits remain relatively stable over time. For example, people who were outgoing during young adulthood are likely to be outgoing in later life.
- Most older adults report good mental health and have fewer mental health problems than other age groups. However, one in four older adults experiences a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or dementia.
- The suicide rate for men over 85 is higher than that of any other age group.
- The number of older adults with substance abuse problems is expected to double to five million by 2020.
- Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia) is not a normal part of aging. Approximately 5 percent of individuals between 71 and 79 and 37 percent of the population above age 90, are affected.
- As they age, people are generally more satisfied with their lives and more optimistic about growing older.
Physical health
A number of physical changes and health issues are more common as we age. However, just as all older adults are not the same, their health status also varies. Many are active and healthy, whereas others are frail, with multiple health conditions.
- Approximately 92 percent of older adults have at least one chronic condition, and 77 percent have two or more.
- Four chronic conditions — heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes — cause almost two thirds of all deaths among individuals 65 and older each year.
- People 55 and older account for over a quarter of all Americans diagnosed with HIV, and this number is increasing.
- Hearing impairment among older adults is often mild or moderate, yet it is widespread; almost 25 percent of adults aged 65–74 and 50 percent aged 75 and older have hearing impairment that is often isolating.
- Visual changes among aging adults result in such problems as slower reading speed and difficulty reading small print and in dim light, as well as difficulty driving at night.
- The proportion of older adults needing assistance with everyday activities increases with age. Fewer than one fifth of older adults between ages 65 and 74 need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing or eating. This increases to 40 percent of men and 53 percent of women over 85 who need such assistance.
- Older ethnic and racial minorities have a higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes and hypertension, as well as an earlier onset of chronic illness, than White older adults. Some of the factors contributing to this disparity are poverty, segregated communities with fewer health-promoting resources, poor education, unemployment, discrimination and less access to quality health care.
- In spite of these mental and physical health issues, two thirds of older adults who are not living in long-term care settings report their health to be good, very good or excellent compared to others their age.
Reality or myth: Which is it?
People are often classified by age group and not by individual characteristics. This categorization often results in inaccurate stereotypes about aging and older adults. The following statements reflect either the reality or a myth about older Americans.
What you can do to make aging well a reality
Older adults who rate their health as good are twice as satisfied with life as older adults who rate their health as poor. Increase your chances of aging well by taking some of the following steps.
- Exercise. Even a moderate amount each day can help one stay active, independent and maintain positive mood. It can make even the frailest older person stronger and more fit.
- Continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle and make adjustments for any changes in your function (e.g., hearing, vision, flexibility or strength).
- Continue to engage in routine preventive health behaviors (e.g., get immunizations for flu and pneumonia).
- Advocate for yourself and your family in health care settings or bring a knowledgeable representative with you. Do not be afraid to ask questions or get a second opinion.
- If you feel anxious, depressed or are using alcohol or drugs to manage your mood, seek assistance . Untreated mental health problems are associated with poor physical health outcomes, including increased disability and illness as well as decreased quality of life
- Be an interested person. Remain aware of new developments in the arts, sciences, politics and other areas of cultural and social interest.
- Be an interesting person. Engage in something that matters to you and that you care passionately about.
Conclusion
Armed with the facts about the myths and realities of aging, individuals, families, and our society are better able to view older adults as resources and to provide appropriate support for those in need of assistance.
