A lot of people assume that getting older is as simple as retiring and getting really enthusiastic about bingo. However, getting older is so much more than just the typical stereotypes, and there’s so much more in between retirement and planning your own funeral.
There may be a lot of things that you think to be true about getting older, however, many are far from the truth. To help you separate fact from myth, here are some of the most common myths about aging.
You Will Lose Your Hair
Believe it or not, not everyone loses their hair after a certain age. There are some perfectly healthy 80 and 90-year-olds who have great heads of hair. Your hair is not linked to age, but rather your genetics. Take a look at your grandparent’s, and note if they encounter hair loss or not. Their hair is a good indication of whether you can anticipate the same hair loss as them.
You Will Become Senile
As you get older, your brain starts to degrade little by little. However, that doesn’t always mean you’ll develop dementia. Forgetfulness should not be confused with being senile. There are some people well past 100 that have no signs whatsoever of dementia, and live perfectly healthy lives without any major memory issues.
You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Many people are under the impression that as you get older, you become extremely set in your ways, to the point that you aren’t able or willing to take on new behaviors or skills. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many cases of older adults who choose to take on a new career, or passion that they never would have thought of in their younger years! The truth is, that taking on new activities and ways of thinking in your older years can actually be great for your health! Learning new things can be a huge boost to our cognitive thinking.
You Will Require a Cane
Frequently cartoons depict an older character with a hunched-over back and a cane. Yet, not everyone is going to require a cane once they reach 60. As long as you lead an active lifestyle and avoid getting injured, there’s no reason why you should require a cane. If you aren’t already engaged in some kind of sport or other physical activity, now is a great time to start. The more physically active you are, the less likely you are to require walking assistance in your older age.
You Will Sleep All The Time
A lot of people believe that the older you get, the more you sleep. However, the older that you get, the more difficult it can be to fall and stay asleep. Older adults require the same amount of sleep as younger ones and are encouraged to get between 7 and 10 hours of sleep a night.
Other kinds of Myths about older people
There are many myths about getting older that can lead to negative attitudes and stereotypes about aging. Here are a few common myths about getting older and the truths behind them:
Myth: As you get older, you become less intelligent.
Truth: While it is true that certain cognitive skills, such as processing speed, can decline with age, other cognitive skills, such as verbal ability and knowledge, can actually improve with age. In addition, there is a wealth of research showing that older adults can learn new skills and retain new information just as well as younger adults.
Myth: As you get older, you become more forgetful.
Truth: While it is true that memory skills can decline with age, this is not necessarily a normal or inevitable part of aging. In fact, many older adults have excellent memory skills and are able to retain new information just as well as younger adults. Factors such as stress, sleep deprivation, and poor nutrition can contribute to memory problems, regardless of age.
Myth: As you get older, you become more isolated and lonely.
Truth: While it is true that some older adults may experience social isolation and loneliness, this is not necessarily a normal or inevitable part of aging. In fact, many older adults have rich, fulfilling social lives and are actively involved in their communities.
It is important to remember that every person is different and that aging is a complex process that can be influenced by many factors. By refuting myths about getting older and embracing the many strengths and abilities of older adults, we can create a more positive and inclusive society for people of all ages.
What do older people do for us?
Older people, like all individuals, contribute to society in a variety of ways. Here are a few ways that older people contribute to our communities and our lives:
Providing wisdom and guidance: Older people often have a wealth of life experience and knowledge that they can share with others. They can offer valuable perspective and guidance to younger people, helping them make informed decisions and navigate life’s challenges.
Sharing their skills and talents: Older people often have a wide range of skills and talents that they can share with others. They may volunteer their time and expertise to help others, or they may use their skills to contribute to their communities in other ways.
Serving as role models: Older people can serve as role models and mentors to younger generations, inspiring them to strive for excellence and make positive contributions to their communities.
Supporting families and communities: Older people may provide support and care to their families and communities in various ways, such as caring for grandchildren, offering emotional support to loved ones, and participating in community service and volunteer work.
Sharing their cultural and historical knowledge: Older people are often the keepers of cultural and historical knowledge, and they can help younger generations understand and appreciate their heritage and the history of their communities.
Overall, older people make important contributions to our lives and our communities, and we can all benefit from their wisdom and experience.
