10 Myths about Aging

In our youth-driven culture, you only have to watch a little television to see aging people portrayed as grumpy, weak and forgetful. But the truth is that many people sail through the aging process with intact memories and strong bodies. Age-related diseases leave people frail and disabled—not the normal aging process.

Myth #1 Aging adults are senile. Senility is due to disease and is not a normal part of aging. Most people notice some memory changes as they age, but in most cases these changes do not affect independent living.

Myth #2  Aging adults are grumpy. Personalities usually don’t change much after age 30. If you’re grumpy at thirty, you’ll likely be grumpy at eighty. Marked personality changes are not due to normal aging, but to diseases like dementia or the effects of a stroke.

Myth #3  Aging adults can’t hear well.  Some hearing loss is common because sensory cells within the ear begin to die. However, only 35% of 80-year-olds actually need a hearing aid.

Myth #4 Aging adults can’t exercise. Aerobic exercise improves heart function and weight-bearing exercises increase muscle mass no matter what the age.

Myth #5 Aging adults aren’t interested in physical intimacy. Interest does decline with age, but it doesn’t go away. Many aging adults enjoy intimacy even in their 90s.

Myth #6 The secret to successful aging is heredity. There is a connection between genetics and longevity, but lifestyle choices have a greater influence.

Myth #7 Aging adults don’t contribute. Families and the U.S. economy are highly dependent upon aging adults. It is conservatively estimated that they provide 160 billion dollars annually in volunteer hours in addition to informal care given to grandchildren, frail family members, and religious and social institutions.

Myth #8 Aging adults get depressed. Clinical depression in aging adults is often overlooked—partly due to acceptance of this myth—but depression can be treated just as easily as in younger age groups.

Myth #9 Aging adults are incontinent. Incontinence is not a normal part of aging and is highly treatable.

Myth #10 Aging adults can’t learn new things. The speed of learning may diminish and learning patterns may change, but the ability to learn is retained in normal aging.

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing. Psalm 92:14

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