Let’s talk about the most common myths about aging and growing older!
Every day in the United States, thousands of baby boomers reach the age of 65. According to 2022 figures, about 58 million individuals aged 65 and up live in the United States, representing roughly 17.3% of the total population. This is a lot of people, and this is why we want to discuss the most common myths about aging.
Most of us live with the impression that once you age and become a senior, life is over. But this is not the case. Seniors still want to be active, but unfortunately, they cannot because of various health conditions such as arthritis or anything that causes severe pain.
Older people do more than stay on the porch and read newspapers or knit quietly while relaxing in their favorite chair. So, let’s take a look at the most popular myths about aging and debunk them once and for all!
1. Seniors can’t learn anything new
This is definitely not true! There are many myths about aging, but this one is completely false, yet a lot of folks believe it. No matter how old you are, you’re still able to learn a lot of new things, learn new skills, improve old ones, and obviously create new memories.
It is true that aging comes with various cognitive changes, and while some of them can slow down processes, others are positive. For example, you will have a lifetime of experiences, and this gives you a great advantage. This insight means knowledge.
The best part is that when you learn new skills and information, you are improving your cognitive abilities. This is perfect for anyone who is concerned about aging. There are studies that show how seniors who decided to learn digital photography or quilting had a much better memory after learning these skills than before.
Establishing new social connections and participating in social activities, which might include a dancing class or reading club, can help keep your brain engaged and improve your cognitive health.
2. Older adults should avoid physical activity, or else they will get injured
Of all the myths about aging, this one is probably the most widespread, and we are here to tell you why it is false. We know that once you start getting older, there are physical changes that come with it, and many of them will make you feel weak or cause you pains you’ve never experienced before.
This is why many seniors who suffer from chronic conditions are afraid of engaging in physical activity and avoid it at all costs. But is this the best thing to do? Studies tell us no. In reality, physical activity might be the best way to deal with these changes, and sitting too much can actually be pretty harmful.
Inactivity is the leading reason older people stop doing things on their own, and no matter your age, you can still engage in light physical activity and try to do a thing or two on your own.
In reality, physical activity may aid in the management of certain chronic diseases. Sports and physical exercise are beneficial not just to your physical and mental well-being, but may also help you maintain your independence as you age.
So, stop believing all of these myths about aging, and if you feel that you can do some physical activity, just go for it! If you suffer from any condition, it would be a good idea to talk to your physician first so you can be sure that everything is okay and learn what you are allowed to do and what you are not.
3. Loneliness and depression are normal
This happens more than anyone wants, but as people age, they become more lonely and even isolated. Generation after generation, we became used to this, and now there is one of the myths about aging that says it is normal for seniors to be lonely and depressed.
However, this is not a normal part of the aging process. Seniors can be as happy as anyone, and good and lasting relationships with friends, family, and the ones you love in general can help anyone feel better and less isolated.
It’s necessary to keep in mind that elderly people who are depressed may have symptoms that are not as evident as in the case of young people, and they can also be less willing to express their thoughts. Depression is a common and sometimes dangerous mood disorder. Hopefully, the majority of individuals will benefit from therapy and treatment.
4. Seniors have to give up driving
The US population is constantly aging, which means more older people are on the road. According to the Federal Highway Administration, there were 221.7 million licensed drivers in 2016, and 41.7 million of them were 65 or older. This means almost one in five drivers is a senior, which debunks one of the most unfair myths about aging: that old people should stop using their cars.
It is true that once someone ages, there are some natural changes that happen, and these changes can affect how a person is driving. Reduced mobility, worse vision, and slower response speed will all affect how someone is driving.
So, when is the right time for someone to stop driving? Can the reasons presented above indicate that seniors should stop driving, or is this just another one of the myths about aging? We believe that not the age of someone should be the reason to not be allowed to drive, but it is more important to consider if there are any reasons that can affect that person’s ability to drive.
For example, if there are clear signs that someone is incapable of driving safely, then it might be wise for them to stop driving. If you have any concerns about your ability to drive, the best course of action is to talk with your doctor.
5. “Too old” to quit smoking?
Yes, this is a thing, and it is one of the most widespread myths about aging. Many people still believe that if you want to stop smoking, you should be very young; otherwise, you are too old to do it, and it will probably have no beneficial effects.
But this is completely false! You can quit smoking anytime you want, and it will be good for your body no matter what. Those who quit are known to have fewer diseases and illnesses such as the flu, colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues.
A few hours after you stop smoking, your body starts to eliminate the carbon monoxide, and after a few weeks, you will already have better circulation of your blood. This means the benefits of quitting smoking are almost immediate. As a result, you lower your risk of lung disease, cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
There is no such thing as “too old” to quit smoking, which makes this affirmation one of the myths about aging you should never believe.
Now that we have debunked these myths about aging, it is easy to see how these misconceptions can cloud our understanding of growing older. Every single day, there are seniors who show us that all of these myths are just myths and nothing more. They lead active lifestyles, and they are always ready for socialization.
You don’t have to shape your life based on what people think. In this case, age is just a number, and the real story of your life is based on how you choose to live it.
If you are eager to find out more, this book that presents various myths about aging might be a great choice: Great Myths of Aging (Great Myths of Psychology)
You should also read: 8 Amazing Stress-Reduction Techniques for Seniors
