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People often make generalizations about the aging process and how it feels to grow “old.” They often forget that there are positive aspects to aging as well. Research has shown, time and again, that seniors can safeguard their health and vitality by adopting healthy habits and positive lifestyle choices. Keep reading to find out more about the nine misconceptions of aging.
1. Loneliness and Depression is Inevitable As You Age
Some seniors will find that they are feeling more isolated and lonely as they age. If left to continue, these feelings of loneliness can turn into feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression.
It must be said that these feelings are NOT a normal part of the aging process.
Being older has many benefits as well. According to research, older people are more likely to be emotionally flexible. Older people are also much more emotionally resilient in comparison to younger adults.
If seniors experience depression or isolation, they will exhibit much less apparent symptoms. They will also be less likely to open up to just about anyone.
2. I Need Less Sleep the Older I Get
As we get older, the body has a harder time falling asleep. It also becomes much more difficult to sleep for more extended periods.
This leads us to think that older people do not need as much sleep as younger adults. But the truth is that all adults, regardless of age, need to have at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.
Not getting enough sleep has many side effects. It can lead to reduced concentration. Not getting enough sleep affects a senior’s mental health and causes mood swings.
3. Seniors Can’t Learn New Things
This is entirely wrong! Older adults have the necessary skills and intelligence to learn new things.
In some cases, older adults have more knowledge and understanding because of their vast experience and exposure. Older adults also have the necessary mental capacity to learn new things.
There may be a reluctance to learn new things if the person is not interested in it. Recent research revealed that older adults who learned digital photography, sewing, and knitting had a better memory.
Making new social connections during senior living or participating in social pastimes such as a book club or dance class helps boost brain functions and activity.
4. Older People Will Inevitably Develop Dementia (Forgetfulness)
Dementia does not occur due to aging. There is a higher risk involved for older people, but it is not inevitable.
People have lived well into their 80s without experiencing any memory loss associated with dementia. Once in a while, forgetting where you put your keys or the milk happens in younger adults.
There is no harm in getting professional advice from a doctor if you have concerns about your memory, thinking, behavior, or personality. A doctor can advise some basic exercises to help improve memory for seniors.
Your doctor will be keen to find out the main cause of memory loss because it is not caused by aging. Most causes of memory loss are usually reversible and treatable.
As people age, people assume things. There are many myths about aging or elderly people that simply aren’t true! Click To Tweet5. Seniors Will Get Injured if They Exercise
People tend to think that as they get older, they can hurt themselves by exercising. This is especially true if the person in question has a chronic health condition.
Research has shown that there are always more health benefits of being physically active. Studies have shown that a person with an inactive lifestyle is prone to many different diseases.
Everyone should participate in physical activities regardless of their age or health conditions. Participating in physical activities will help reduce any chronic conditions you may have.
Living trusts encourage senior citizens to participate in safe movement practices such as Tai Chi. These activities help improve mind and body coordination as well as boost balance and stability.
6. I Will Get Alzheimer’s Disease if Any of My Family Members has It
There is a greater risk of having Alzheimer’s disease if you have a family history of dementia. But this does not mean that you will have Alzheimer’s disease no matter what. Just as each leaf of the same tree is unique. Similarly, every person in a family has unique characteristics.
Speak to your doctor if you have concerns about Alzheimer’s disease. There are multiple factors to take into consideration other than genetics.
For example, diet, lifestyle, exercise, smoking, and exposure to pollution can also play a role in developing a risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Although you cannot change the genes you have, you can control these factors.
7. Older People Can No Longer Drive
There is no denying that the United States is an aging population. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that almost 20% of the United States drivers are 65 years or older.
There is a possibility that a person’s hearing, vision, or strength can be affected due to age.
But no one can stop you from driving if you are physically active and have the confidence to pass a driver’s license test. Do not hesitate to speak to a doctor about the health concerns regarding driving and your age.
8. Osteoporosis Is Only a Concern For Women
There is no doubt that osteoporosis is more common in women. But that doesn’t mean that men cannot have the disease.
The skeletal structure of a man is naturally thicker than that of a woman. Even so, men can experience an osteoporosis-linked fracture if they are over the age of 50.
By the time we reach the age of 65 or 70, the loss of bone mass occurs at the same rate in both men and women. Several other factors contribute to the osteoporosis diagnosis.
Some of these factors are not having an adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, family history, and not getting enough exercise. The risk of osteoporosis increases significantly for smokers and people who have alcohol regularly.
9. I Can’t Quit Smoking Because I am “Too Old”
Quitting smoking has nothing to do with your age or how long you have been smoking.
Quitting smoking can help you achieve better overall health. You will lower the chances of catching a cold or the flu.
Quitting smoking also reduces the chances of getting pneumonia or bronchitis.
At what age do you think people should stop driving?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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Way to obliterate some commonly held misconceptions about older folks. Age is a state of mind. Age is a decision, a choice, not a number derived from reading calendars.
Ryan
Totally agree – especially since my age is creeping up!