8 Common Myths About Elders And Aging

Our observation of elderly people around us leaves us with certain myths regarding elders and aging; it makes us believe that one cannot live an independent life as one ages. This is not true because it is the age related diseases like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's that leave elders frail or disabled, rather than the normal aging of our bodies.

Here are 8 myths and facts about aging:

Myth 1: You will need a hearing aid as you age.

Fact:  This is true to some extent because the sensory cells in the ear start to die as a person ages. However it is significant to note that only 35% of those above 80 years of age require a hearing aid, with some elders above 90 also experiencing perfect hearing. This could be easily done by guarding against hearing loss. 

Myth 2: Losing weight could help extend life.

 
Fact: Carrying some extra weight above the age of 75 works as a protection and provides sufficient energy to the immune system to fight off flu infection. It is found that those having a body mass index of 27 live longer than those that have a body mass index of 19 to 25. It is however found that those having a body mass index of 30 and above have to consult the doctor for reduction of weight. 

Myth 3: Most elderly adults live in nursing homes and cannot get around by themselves.

 
Fact: This is not necessarily true because studies show that only 5 out of 100 elders live in nursing homes with 95 still totally mobile. The media has projected this wrong illusion. 

Myth 4: Elders that continue to work are inefficient and miss many work days due to illness.

 
Fact: I would say that this is a myth and not a reality because elders who looked after themselves well are found to be extremely productive and are rarely late or absent from work. 

Myth 5: Elders are lonely, depressed and withdrawn. 

Fact: This is not true because elders that live with their family are very rarely lonely or dissatisfied with life. Also it has been found that if you are cheerful and gregarious in your 40’s you will never be withdrawn and depressed in your 80’s. However marked personality changes are evident in seniors that have been afflicted by diseases like stroke and dementia.

Myth 6: You won't have the energy to exercise well in your 80s.
 
Fact: This is not necessarily true because elders who started exercising above 70 found improved heart function with lowering resting heart rate and increased heart mass and the amount of blood pumped with each beat. There was also a reduction in heart attack in seniors that took to exercises like swimming and running, and they experienced lesser shortness of breath and fatigue. 

Myth 7: Older adults are obsessed with death and dying and fear it most.

 
Fact: This is not necessarily true though many fear talking to elders for this reason. Most elders are not obsessed about that and you can easily hold a good conversation with an elderly adult.

Myth 8: Elders over 65 have diseases and disorders that limit their freedom.

Fact: This is not necessarily true because I have found many youngsters who are more weak and unhealthy than elders. The most prominent example is my friend’s 70 year grandpa who works in a gym in New York.

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