Common Misconceptions About Aging

There’s an old adage that whatever we think will happen, will happen. With the process of aging, that holds true, and many seniors find themselves to have become whatever they think they will become in their later years. Having positive perceptions about aging, such as wisdom, self-realization, fulfillment, or vitality is associated with a nearly eight year increase in lifespan, compared to having negative perceptions about aging, such as being useless or helpless.

Every day, about ten thousand people turn 65 years old. By 2029, about 20 percent of the United States’ population will be age 65 or older. Many peoples’ preconceived notion of aging tends to foresee a slowing down, napping in chairs, and being unable to understand or connect with the world around themselves. This is fallacious thinking, and contrary to popular belief, there is no typical “older personality”. Whatever our personality was that we developed from infancy over the course of our entire lives, we will carry that forward into our twilight years.

• Older people aren’t interested in the world: The over 65 age group uses the internet and keeps abreast of news and events just like the younger cohorts. Many colleges and universities also have programs designed for older adults who wish to continue their education, as well.
• OIder people don’t want close relationships: Humans are social creatures, which is a fact that does not change with age. The need for meaningful relationships continues right up until our final day on earth, and loneliness and isolation is one of the most common problems seniors suffer from. There are numerous barriers that can prevent older adults from enjoying a full social calendar, such as physical decline or dementia, or simply fewer people to relate to and interact with.
• Older people contribute little: Once we’ve entered the elderly stage of life, we will have accrued years of personal skills and professional expertise. Older adults, while they may be retired, are still highly valued and sought after as mentors, colleagues, and volunteers.
• Mental and physical decline are inevitable: While there is a certain amount of loss of function as we age, that doesn’t mean that frailty or advanced dementia are foregone conclusions. Healthful habits can protect against much of the loss of function that comes with aging. Weightlifting and exercise will help to retain muscle strength and bone density, while using your brain to read and learn will help to maintain mental acuity. Sedentary time watching television is bad for health at any age, but can be especially damaging for seniors. Many programs show older adults as cranky, confused, feeble and forgetful, which can reinforce negative thought patterns. Remember, whatever you believe will happen, will happen.
• Older people can’t make good decisions: With age comes wisdom, thoughts and beliefs based on a lifetime of experience and education. Seniors should be included in whatever decision making process when it comes to their medical care, living situation, or financial matters, as long as they’re still sound of mind. Participation by all parties involved will lead to the most satisfying outcomes.