Have you heard these five common myths about aging? | News, Sports, Jobs

Much has been said about the older generation and the lives they lead. Unfortunately, not all of them are based on facts. Join us as we debunk five of the most common myths about aging!

#1 – Dementia is inevitable

It has been scaring people for some time, and as the elderly live longer and longer, it has become more and more persistent.

Fortunately, that’s simply not true!

Dementia is common enough to warrant concern for the medical community and family members of seniors; however, it is far from inevitable.

ENTER THE CONTACT

Recently, doctors examined the brain of a 115-year-old woman who, when she died, was the oldest person in the world. No evidence of dementia or other disorders was found, and tests throughout her senior years revealed no loss of brain function.

If you’re worried about dementia, you can be proactive by taking some simple steps to help avoid the disease and its symptoms. Keeping mentally and physically well during middle age can help people avoid dementia. In addition, continuing to challenge the brain in recent years has been shown to help people avoid Alzheimer’s disease and other debilitating conditions.

#2 – Loneliness is inevitable

Part of senior life

This may have been truer in the past than it is today, and loneliness was never completely inevitable for seniors.

The key is to recognize that the isolation that is common in one’s senior years can lead directly to loneliness. Fortunately, our world is full of options for seniors—and others—to stay connected with the rest of the population, whether that involves using digital technology for face-to-face conversations or joining a local community center. There is always a way to escape isolation!

#3 – There is no point in exercising after a certain age

This powerful myth has prevented large numbers of people from staying active and extending their lives. The truth is, it’s never too late to start exercising, even if exercise has never been a big part of someone’s life.

Exercise is a great way for seniors to stay fit, connect with others, and feel young, regardless of age.

Remember, however, that any fitness routine should be planned and implemented with common sense and safety in mind. Seniors should start small, taking short walks and performing simple bodyweight exercises. Doctors and trainers can help seniors develop exercise plans that maximize benefits while reducing the risk of injury.

#4 – Poverty is inevitable

As seniors live longer than ever before, some are finding that they simply didn’t save enough during their working years to support them in their old age. The cost of living continues to get more and more expensive as well. However, this does not mean that poverty is a fact of life for seniors.

The fact is that less than 10% of those 65 and older fall below the poverty line in the United States. This number, while higher than it should be, is only a fraction of the total senior population.

The elderly are typically better at saving money than younger generations, and people in general are becoming more fiscally conscious, which will lead to an aging population that is more financially secure than any other such generation from history.

#5 – Seniors stop learning

After a certain age

The stereotype of the self-indulgent older individual is a strong one, but it simply doesn’t reflect reality.

Today’s seniors are more active and curious than ever, and our world offers them countless opportunities to explore their intellect and receive new ideas. Research showing the importance of keeping the brain active and engaged has led to a renewed commitment to learning, regardless of age, and many seniors are proving that it’s never too late to learn a new skill or become an expert in a previously unfamiliar subject. . .

Senior life is what you make of it

Although these myths are not the truth, they contain enough truth to remain persistent. The real truth, however, is that anyone’s life experience – whether they are seniors or teenagers – depends on the approach they take and the support they have around them. Fortunately, today’s seniors live in a world of limitless possibilities.

Information provided by Always Best Care. Always Best Care is a provider of non-medical home care services that enable people to continue their independence and enjoy their daily routine at home in familiar surroundings. To schedule a no-obligation in-home consultation, call (330) 385-5960.