Throughout the years, you are likely to hear many facts about the aging process, many of which may make you stressed. The great news is that most of these facts that people speak of are not true at all. Rather than live life in fear, here is some information to help you discard these aging myths and live a fear-free life.
Genres Dictate My Health
This myth is a great example of how incomplete information is selectively taken as the complete truth. The fact of the matter is that while genes do play a role in your health and wellbeing, they are far from being the only influence. Many other factors also play a role such as your diet, environment, physical exercise and much more. Even factors such as mental health also go a long way in determining your overall health. In very many cases, living a healthy lifestyle trumps any genetic factors that may come into play.
It is a Given to be Old and Frail
While there are people who grow frail over the years, there are just as many others who remain physically strong, mentally sharp and who live an active life even in their advanced years. The difference between the two often comes to ensuring proper physical and mental health. Those who stay in great physical shape, are careful about what they consume and are able to overcome stress generally live active and healthy lives.
Memory Loss Is Inevitable
Many have been persuaded by the media that memory loss is an inevitable consequence of the aging process. This again is simply not true. Indeed, many people live into their advanced years while retaining all their mental acumen. The fact of the matter is that, according to various studies, only a small percentage of Americans actually go on to develop dementia and other memory loss problems. Even among people who are at risk of these conditions, there are a number of ways in which they can be mitigated, including memory care programs.
Learning Becomes Harder
There are many schools of thought that argue that learning is harder for senior Americans. This however is also untrue. Indeed, not only can your loved one learn, but it is actually great for their brain health if they do so. Learning new skills helps your loved one to reduce stress and form new social connections. For many Americans, this is usually the time that they get the opportunity to indulge in things that they love doing such as environmental care, the arts and so on. This in turn helps to give their lives new meaning and to keep them motivated to look forward to each and every day.
Loneliness is Inevitable
It is easy to see why this is a myth. While many Americans are indeed lonely, many more are not. In fact, the current trend is that people are taking up new activities after their retirement, with some even starting a new career. Even if your loved one does not take that pathway, there are still many things that they can do to stay socially active. Taking up new hobbies, for example, or volunteering to work for some of their favorite causes are all great ways of maintaining healthy social networks.
