About 10,000 baby boomers reach retirement age every day. By 2029, the percentage of Americans aged 65 and older is predicted to increase from almost 14 percent in 2012 to over 20 percent, according to the Population Reference Bureau. It has immense promise to keep this elderly population active, working, and improving our quality of life as a whole.
When we consider aging, we typically imagine someone slowing down or dozing off in a rocking chair. The error of judging another person ’s thinking, activities, or actions based on our own encounters, state of mind, behavior, or actions contributes to widespread views about aging.
It is a myth that there is a typical “older personality”. As such, the article explores 5 myths about aging.
Disinterested in Education
Internet use is widespread among people over 65. For the aging adult who wants to learn while on vacation, several institutions and universities have developed continuing education programs with a focus on keeping involved in academic life. Whether out of choice or need, many people continue to work much past the typical retirement age. Remember, older adults have hobbies too!
Does Not Want or Need Close Relationships
We are sociable beings. When people are socially-linked, groups like families, tribes, teams, and even organizations have a higher chance of surviving and even prospering. Age does not lessen the desire for fulfilling relationships. However, as we age, there can be fewer individuals with whom we can interact, and there might be physical and mental obstacles that appear. Older persons can benefit in many ways from keeping social connections, including intellectual challenges, preserving information processing abilities, feedback, and just plain sharing of sentiments.
Little Societal Contribution
Older folks are excellent employees, coworkers, and volunteers because they have decades of personal experience in addition to professional expertise. Some make a difference in their communities by, among other commendable things, visiting elderly people who are homebound and helping them with daily tasks, teaching, helping small businesses, assisting in the placement of foster children, and more. Due to their strong work ethics, older employees are ideal mentors and mentors for younger generations.
Inevitable Physical and Mental Deterioration
There are several ways to delay (or even reverse) the physical and mental aging processes, even if there is some function loss as we age. The process is thwarted by healthy habits, which causes stem cells to lose some of their ability and other cells to deteriorate.
The strength of bones and muscles is preserved via strength training. Diet and aerobic exercise lessen the possibility of mental and physical deterioration. Brain training and continual education are helpful in preventing cognitive decline. Everyone should limit their TV time, but older people are particularly at risk since the media regularly portrays them as frail, forgetful, impatient, and confused. Remember that what you expect to occur does so.
Losing the Desire to Live
When they feel like they have some influence over death, older people accept it more readily. No matter their age, most people want to live in a safe and pleasant setting. People desire to live long and healthy lives. Anyone who is in good mental health doesn’t want to cut their life short.
