Ageing – it sometimes comes with a bad rap. It’s not uncommon to view ageing with something akin to dread and distaste. But ageing is just as likely to involve climbing mountains and conquering goals as it is to involve rocking chairs and dependence. Here are some of the most common myths about getting old … and why you shouldn’t believe them.
Dementia is a normal and expected part of ageing
Actually, it’s not. While the risk of dementia certainly rises with age, it’s not inevitable, and plenty of people live their lives completely dementia-free. Some degree of forgetfulness tends to be common with normal ageing (like forgetting where you put your keys), but this is very different to the memory loss associated with dementia, which tends to severely affect your life and the way you function. If you have serious concerns about your or a loved one’s memory issues, it’s always best to talk with a doctor.
Older people are stuck in their ways and can’t learn new things
It’s a common misconception that older people experience declining mental function, and are incapable of learning new skills – but this one’s not true at all. The end of learning does not arrive along with old age – rather, cognitive development continues right throughout life. Lifelong learning of new skills makes your brain more adaptable, and can help compensate for any age-related memory loss that might occur. Older adults have plenty of capacity to learn new things (both physical and mental), improve their performance in both old and new skills, and lay down new memories. It’s possible to learn something new every day, no matter how old you get – and it’s a great philosophy with which to approach life.
Older people are unhappy and grumpy
Some older people are grouchy and unhappy, yes, but so are some younger people. And sadness in older people can often stem from losing friends and loved ones, feeling lonely, or suffering from on underlying mental health condition. But it shouldn’t be written off as a normal part of ageing. Mental health issues should never be treated as inevitable, and many older people are perfectly happy and content with their lives. Mood swings or negative emotions might be a sign of something else, rather than just “grumpiness”, and should be investigated so that they can be dealt with.
Older people can no longer meaningfully contribute to society
Older people may have stopped working, but that doesn’t mean they don’t contribute. Older people have a wealth of knowledge and experience which is of great value to those less experienced. Older Australians often contribute by volunteering, mentoring younger people, or by looking after grandchildren and helping out their adult children financially. They work as carers for loved ones, contribute to charities and contribute to the economy through travel. Older people have a lot to give – and often enjoy doing so.
Older people need less sleep
Older people don’t actually need less sleep than younger ones, even though they may not be as active. Like every other adult, older people still need seven to nine hours of good quality rest every night in order to be able to function at their best. Getting enough sleep can help reduce the risk of falls or errors, can improve memory and cognitive function and improve overall mental wellbeing – all good reasons to get your eight hours!
Older people should avoid exercise as they may suffer a fall or get injured
No one should avoid exercise, no matter what age you are! Exercise supports both physical and mental health, helping people ward off health problems such as obesity, and diseases like diabetes, heart conditions and strokes. Older people should definitely be participating in exercise, although it may be a more gentle, less strenuous type of exercise. Activities such as walking, bike riding, swimming, golfing, yoga or strength training are all beneficial for older people, who should aim to get around 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Exercise will actually help prevent older people from suffering falls or broken bones, as it will improve their balance as well as their bone density, leading to a safer and more stable life. And many older people make it a priority to remain fit and active for as long as possible, knowing it will help them age well.
Older people shouldn’t drive
Alright, it’s true that some of the changes that naturally occur with age can affect a person’s ability to drive – such as hearing loss, vision loss, reduced strength and mobility and slower reflexes and response speed. But this doesn’t automatically mean that all older people shouldn’t be allowed to drive. Plenty of older people drive safely, although they may make adjustments to their process, such as driving cautiously at all times, checking everything thoroughly or not driving at night. If people have been medically cleared to keep driving, there’s no reason they can’t.
Older people always have health issues
Couldn’t be further from the truth. While some older people certainly will experience health issues, it’s not inevitable. Many older people are not disabled or unwell, but are healthy and active and living their best lives.
Osteoporosis is inevitable for women, but not for men
Some bone thinning is inevitable with age, but that doesn’t mean osteoporosis is always going to occur. The debilitating effects of osteoporosis can often by delayed or avoided by taking steps earlier in life to prevent them: such as ensuring an adequate intake of calcium and Vitamin D and getting enough weight-bearing exercise. Click here to read more about osteoporosis and bone health as you age.
And it’s not only women who may get osteoporosis – while it’s more common in women, the disease still affects men too.
Older people always take a lot of medication
Some do – and some don’t. Same as younger people. Some older people may be dealing with a variety of health conditions which require medication, but others may not have such health problems, and may be able to avoid medication.
Older people can’t use technology
It’s a common belief that old people are not very tech-savvy but it’s not necessarily true. Older people may not have grown up with the technological advantages we have today, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn. And many of them are very motivated to learn, so that they can keep up with younger family members and friends. As has been mentioned above, older people are more than capable of learning new things, including how to use new technology.
Depression and loneliness are normal for older people
Many older people live alone, and loneliness can certainly be a problem as friends and loved ones pass on. But loneliness shouldn’t be considered the norm for older people, as it can have devastating health impacts when left unchecked. Likewise, not all older people are depressed; in fact, older people are often happier than younger ones for a whole host of reasons. Click here to read more about why older people are often happier than people in their 20s.
One of the best ways to minimise loneliness for older people is living in an aged care facility like Finley Regional Care. This allows people to live, socialise and participate in activities with people of a similar age who are likely to become friends. Older people in aged care have in-built company that helps alleviate the loneliness and depression that sometimes comes with being increasingly isolated.
Growing older does present challenges, but it’s not all doom and gloom. Don’t believe everything you hear about getting old – it can actually be a wonderful time of life blessed with wisdom, self-knowledge, perspective and time to enjoy life.
