One generation after the next goes through life with preconceived notions of what it means to grow older and what life will be like as we age. But often, those notions are incorrect. As a result, our views of older people may be inaccurate and our expectations for later life somewhat bleak.
To help you gain a better understanding of life after 60, here are 9 aging myths and the reality behind them.
Myth #1: Genetics predetermine how long you’ll live.
Reality: Genetics plays a big part in lifespan. But environmental factors are significant too. Certain behaviors may help increase life expectancy. Among them:
- Not smoking.
- Exercising.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Choosing a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
- Coping effectively with stress.
- Maintaining a positive outlook.
Source: Geriatric Mental Health Foundation
Myth #2: Healthy habits don’t matter much once you reach old age.
Reality: At all stages of life, including later life, a healthy lifestyle will have positive effects. Eating well, for example, may delay or help control diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. And exercise can strengthen the heart, lungs and muscles, making it easier to perform daily activities.
If you quit smoking, breathing will get easier, blood flow will improve and your chances of having a heart attack or stroke will go down.
Source: National Institute on Aging
Myth #3: Seniors are typically depressed and dissatisfied with their lives.
Reality: Depression can affect anyone. There are certain life events, such as illness and the death of a spouse, that tend to happen in later life and can make people sad. But many older adults lead active, rewarding lives. They are not dissatisfied with life.
Source: Geriatric Mental Health Foundation
Myth #4: Seniors shouldn’t expect to have a sex life.
Reality: The desire or ability to have sex doesn’t end at a certain age. In your 60s, 70s and beyond, a satisfying sex life is possible. That said, sexual response does slow as we grow older. And physical changes, certain health conditions and medications may affect sexual performance. But often, problems like these can be addressed with your doctor’s help.
Source: National Institute on Aging
Myth #5: There’s nothing you can do about the aches and pains that come with aging.|
Reality: Pain shouldn’t be expected—or accepted—as a normal part of aging. When you have pain, there’s a reason. For example, pain may be related to a health problem often seen in older adults, such as arthritis or shingles. The sooner you bring discomfort to your doctor’s attention, the easier it’s likely to be for you to get relief.
Source: National Institute on Aging
Source: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Myth #6: Forgetting things as you get older means that you’re developing Alzheimer’s.|
Reality: As people age their thinking tends to slow somewhat and they may have problems remembering certain things. But symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more serious than occasionally misplacing your keys or forgetting someone’s name.
They can include:
- Confusion about time or place.
- Struggling to complete familiar tasks, such as dressing.
- Difficulty with tasks involving numbers, such as balancing a checkbook.
Myth #7: There is a certain age at which all people should stop driving
Reality: Generally, older drivers are safe drivers. It’s impossible to say that everyone should stop driving at a set age. What’s important is a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. That depends on factors such as vision, hearing, flexibility and strength.
Being aware of physical changes and adjusting driving habits to compensate for these changes may help keep people driving safely as long as possible.
Sources: National Highway Transportation Safety Administration; National Institute on Aging
Myth #8: Having trouble sleeping is a normal part of growing older.
Reality: Older adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Seniors may not sleep as deeply as they once did, and often they report problems falling asleep or staying asleep. But, poor sleep habits; inactivity; illness; and the inappropriate use of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine carry more responsibility for sleep problems later in life than age. Anyone having sleep problems should discuss them with their doctor.
Sources: Geriatric Mental Health Foundation; National Institute on Aging; National Sleep Foundation
Myth #9: Older people are destined to fall.
Reality: Falls are common in seniors. But there are many things people can do to prevent them. For instance, getting regular vision and hearing checks is important. So is making sure there are no tripping hazards such as electrical cords in pathways or loose rugs in your home. Because certain medicines can affect balance and coordination, talking with your doctor about potential medication side effects is beneficial too.
Source: National Institute on Aging
Source: Saint Alphonsus – Health Information Library
