Some Myths About Aging and Old Age
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.”
The perception that old age is a disease, a disaster and the older people are useless, powerless and sexless is a stereotype that has been perpetuated by society for far too long This stereotype is not only false, but also harmful, as it can lead to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem among older people. To overcome this mentality, both old people themselves and others around them need to be change their mindset.
Many people make assumptions about aging, what it is like to grow “old”, and how older age will affect them. But as we are getting older, it is important to understand the positive aspects of aging. Research has shown that you can help preserve your health and mobility as you age by adopting or continuing healthy habits and lifestyle choices. Like any form of bias, ageism has led many of us to make false assumptions about seniors. Read on to learn about various common myths (misconceptions) related to aging and older adults.
Myth: Aging Leads to Loneliness and Depression:
Though social isolation can be a problem for seniors, especially to those who have limited mobility, lack of transportation or who have recently lost a spouse, most seniors are able to stay socially engaged. Activities and visits with family and friends, and at places such as the local senior centre or a place of worship, also help seniors stay socially active and happy.
As people age, some may find themselves feeling isolated and alone. This can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and sadness. However, these feelings are not a normal part of aging as growing older can have many emotional benefits, such as long-lasting relationships with friends and family and a lifetime of memories to share with loved ones. In fact, studies show that older adults are less likely to experience depression than young adults. So, when should you be concerned? It’s important to remember that older adults with depression may have less obvious symptoms or be less likely to discuss their feelings. Depression is a common and potentially serious mood disorder, but there are treatments that are effective for most people.
Contrary to the myth that aging is depressing, many studies find that seniors are among the happiest age group. Those who think aging is depressing also believe that it makes seniors grumpier. People who are unhappy in their younger years will likely continue to be in their later years, and similarly, good-natured people continue on a happy trajectory as they age. In other words, one’s attitude comes down to their individual personality, not an age group.
Myth: The older one gets, the less sleep one needs:
As people age, they may find themselves having a harder time falling and staying asleep. A common misconception is that a person’s sleep needs decline with age. Older adults need the same amount of sleep as all adults — 7 to 9 hours each night. Getting enough sleep keeps you healthy and alert. Adequate sleep can also help reduce your risk of falls, improve your overall mental well-being, and have many other benefits.
Myth: Older adults can’t learn new thing:
Older adults still have the ability to learn new things, create new memories, and improve their performance in a variety of skills. While aging does often come with changes in thinking, many cognitive changes are positive, such as having more knowledge and insight from a lifetime of experiences. One study found that older adults who learned quilting or digital photography had improved memory. Seeking out new social connections with others and engaging in social activities, such as a dance class or book club, can keep your brain active and may also boost your cognitive health.
Myth: It is inevitable that older people will get dementia:
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Although the risk of dementia grows as people get older, it is not inevitable, and many people live into their 90s and beyond without the significant declines in thinking and behaviour that characterizes dementia. Occasionally forgetting an appointment or losing your keys are typical signs of mild forgetfulness, which is very common in normal aging. Nevertheless, you should talk with a doctor if you have serious concerns about your memory and thinking, or notice changes in your behaviour and personality. These problems can have a range of different causes, some of which are treatable or reversible. Finding the cause is important for determining best next steps.
领英推荐
Myth: Older adults should take it easy and avoid exercise so they don’t get injured:
As you age, you may think exercise could do more harm than good, especially if you have a chronic condition. However, studies show that you have a lot more to gain by being active — and a lot to lose by sitting too much. Often, inactivity is more to blame than age when older people lose the ability to do things on their own. Almost anyone, at any age and with most health conditions, can participate in some type of physical activity. In fact, physical activity may help manage some chronic conditions. Exercise and physical activity are not only great for your mental and physical health, but can help keep you independent as you age. Tai Chi and similar mind and body movement practices have been shown to improve balance and stability in older adults and this can help maintain independence and prevent future falls.
Myth: If a family member has Alzheimer’s disease, other old people in family will have it, too:
A person’s chance of having Alzheimer’s disease may be higher if he or she has a family history of dementia because there are some genes that we know increase risk. However, having a parent with Alzheimer’s does not necessarily mean that someone will develop the disease. Learn about your family health history and talk with your doctor about your concerns.
Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as exercise, diet, exposure to pollutants, and smoking also may affect a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s. While you cannot control the genes you inherited, you can take steps to stay healthy as you age, such as getting regular exercise, controlling high blood pressure, and not smoking.
Myth: Aging Makes You Unproductive:
Though retired people may have left the workforce, they are hardly unproductive. They contribute countless hours to activities like helping with child-rearing and volunteering, which makes an enormous impact on society.
Myth: Aging Makes You Less Creative:
There are countless examples that dispel the myth that aging makes you less creative. In fact, many artists actually find their calling or achieve mastery in their later years. A great example is the immortal “Grandma Moses ” (Anna Mary Robertson),who was an ordinary, unassuming woman who lived on a farm in New York in the mid 1800’s. After her husband passed away, she transitioned from farm work to a quieter life of embroidering for fun and making delicious preserves for her now grown children. But, when arthritis made embroidering too painful, a friend suggested she try painting. Mrs. Moses took to painting scenes of rural life, and even hung a few of her paintings in the local drugstore. Her first one-woman art show was held in 1940 when Moses was already 80-years-old. She became famous and was dubbed “Grandma Moses,” a name that stuck. She continued to paint until the age 101.
Myth: Aging Makes You Unable to Adapt to New Situations
Older people are not only able to adapt to new situations, they are actually experts at adapting. By the time one has become a senior, they have had to adapt to innumerable changes and transitions in life, many of which could have certainly been challenging. Seniors may be slower to change their opinions, but one of humanity’s’ greatest traits, adaptability, is generally retained as we grow old.
Myth: Aging Erases Your Libido
Discussing the love and sex lives of seniors is largely taboo in our culture and has led to the stereotype that the elderly are sexless. This stereotype is harmful because it can cause seniors to have conflicted feelings or unnecessary guilt about their sexuality, while simultaneously causing younger people to hold misconceptions about aging and the elderly.