Aging is often portrayed as a downward spiral of decline, dependency, and diminished capabilities. Society perpetuates harmful stereotypes about growing older that impact how we view and treat seniors and how they view themselves. But is it really “all downhill from here”? Let’s debunk 10 persistent myths and reveal the vibrant truth about aging in today’s modern world.
1. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are inevitable.
The common belief that people will develop these conditions or suffer a massive cognitive decline as they get older could not be further from the truth. Mental decline and the development of these conditions are not a normal or guaranteed part of aging.
In fact, there are plenty of ways to exercise your brain as you get older. The Center for Disease Control has many recommendations to exercise your mind and reduce your risk of developing dementia. Logic puzzles, a good diet, and regular exercise all contribute to your brain health. Continued learning and reading are two of the best ways to help keep your mind fit.
2. Older people are frail.
Not every older person suffers a dramatic physical decline. Staying active keeps bones healthy, muscles strong, and endurance high. There are middle-agers and seniors out there doing hiking, strength training, and even competitive sports.
It’s often bad habits that cause frailness, such as a lack of activity and mobility. As some people get older, they want to relax and take things easier. As they do, they start losing some of their strength, dexterity, and endurance – as anyone would who stops exercising. The loss is just more pronounced in older people.
3. Older people are bad with technology.
This stereotype is strange if you think about it. How many older people out there are responsible for developing or pioneering much of the technology we use today? It’s not like teenagers were racking up patents, increasing production, and doing the research.
Plenty of older people do just fine with technology. Sure, there are some who struggle or who get stuck in their ways and don’t want to branch out. But older folks can just as easily learn how to handle new technology as anyone else if they want to.
4. Older workers are less productive.
Older people bring knowledge and experience with them, and as a result, there are many things they actually get better at with age. They may have institutional knowledge that younger people don’t have in an industry. Many older people are extremely hard-working individuals who keep working because that’s what they want to do. The truth is that older people are like any other group; some work hard and some don’t, according to the CDC.
The stereotype that older workers are less productive is harmful because it can cause ageism and discriminatory practices. Why hire an older person when you can instead hire a younger person who you think can work harder? Young people can slack off just as much.
5. Older people can’t learn new things.
Aging doesn’t mean you lose the ability to learn. The brain is adaptable. Plasticity allows it to strengthen itself so long as it continues to be used well. There’s no reason that older people can’t learn new things and stay sharp if they so choose.
There are plenty that go back to college, change careers, start up a career, or go into business for themselves. Some older folks from difficult backgrounds may take the opportunity to earn a G.E.D. or learn to read, common things that people of more privileged circumstances may take for granted.
6. You can’t be creative in old age.
The fact that some people believe this stereotype is, frankly, baffling. There are so many artists, writers, musicians, business owners, and creatives of all types who only started their creative pursuits when they were older.
Age can be such a benefit for creativity, too. Older people have the benefit of seeing so much more of the best and worst of life, that which is beautiful and ugly. They are well-equipped to tune into their creative side, whether starting anew or picking up a discarded creative pursuit.
7. Older people lose their independence.
There are plenty of older people who live independently, travel, drive, and take total care of themselves. Thanks to modern medicine, people are living well for longer than they ever have.
Sure, some people do lose their independence or pieces of it. However, there are services like home health that aim to keep older people in their homes for as long as possible. Even people who can’t get around as much still have options to maintain some of their independence.
8. Older adults are lonely and depressed.
Depression can happen to anyone. Loneliness can happen when we are disconnected from our family or sense of community. Yes, some older people do turn into total grumps, but getting older does not mean that one is doomed to either depression or loneliness.
There are plenty of events out there for older people to get together and have a little fun. It’s a time when someone can make new connections and form new relationships that will provide a positive emotional boost. Community means so much more than we give it credit for.
9. Sex and romance end with age.
Older adults still have relationships, date, and enjoy intimacy. In fact, it may be easier in some ways because they know what does and doesn’t work for them. They aren’t necessarily stumbling through the learning experience like many young people need to.
Love and fulfillment don’t have an expiration date. It’s something you could find tomorrow or twenty years from now.
10. Aging means losing purpose.
Aging or retirement doesn’t mean you lose purpose. You may keep the purpose that you felt, or you may feel called to a new purpose as you get older. Just getting out to explore and try new things may put you on a path that you couldn’t have previously imagined.
Idling as one gets older isn’t something you need to do. You don’t have to give up all of these important parts of yourself, nor will you be robbed of them just because you’re aging. Approach life with zest and gusto! You can take so much out of getting older if you let yourself.
You may also like:
- If you want to be happy as you get older, say goodbye to these 12 behaviors
- 10 Annoying “Old Person” Habits You Should Avoid Forming At All Costs
- 12 Things Most People Don’t Fully Understand Until They Get Older
- 12 Subtle Signs You’re Aging Beautifully (Even If You Don’t Think You Are)
- How To Accept The Aging Process: 12 Tips That Actually Bring You Peace
