“Learning is an ornament in prosperity, a refuge in adversity, and a provision in old age.”—Aristotle
As an early 50s woman, I consider myself far from being a senior citizen. However, I must admit that I sometimes think about where and how I will be once I become one. I firmly believe (and this affirmation is an essential part of the very purpose of my blog) that by taking care of ourselves now, we can live happier, healthier lives down the road. Our quality of life as senior citizens (65 and beyond) depends heavily on the choices we make starting in our 40s and 50s. The strongest predictors of high life satisfaction in later life are a perception that one’s life is purposeful and a positive evaluation of one’s mental and physical health.
Unfortunately, as we get older, we may come across negative attitudes about aging. That does not mean that we have to accept stereotypes about seniors. Research on aging has shown that cliches about aging are just that, cliches. Most myths and stereotypes about age should disappear because they are simply not true.
The purpose of this post is to provide the necessary information to change our perceptions of aging. I will give a list of common myths and stereotypes versus reality. According to a fascinating article by Herbert G. Lingren, “There are probably more myths about older people and aging than there are about any other stage of people’s lives. These myths are perpetuated by television programs, magazines, newspapers, and all parts of our society. For example, the phrase ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ is a myth that hangs on in spite of our seeing older people working, going to college, and participating in many other demanding activities.” The reality is the vast majority of seniors live healthy and active lives and make significant contributions to their family and the community.
The truth is that late adulthood is part of the natural process of life. Aging is not a disease. When our perceptions of older people are much worse than reality, our prejudices are revealed. This is called ageism, a stereotyping of older persons that makes it difficult to see them as they actually are. Says Lingren, “Ageism isolates the older generation socially, and perpetuates our own fear of aging.” Ageism makes judgments about the actions, character, and desires of people based on their age. There is also a sense that old age is inferior to youth. I believe this concept could be particularly damaging for middle-aged women because it contributes to their negative perception of their aging face and body (think of the abuse of Instagram filters, not a trace of wrinkles!). Ageism has developed over many years as our society has put a greater value on youth than on aging.
From television and movies to social media, there is a tendency to strengthen the idea that young is “good” and old is “bad.” People who have little or no contact with elderly persons are more likely to accept the myths and stereotypes of aging. For example, young people who believe the stereotypes see no reason to become close to an older adult as they are seen as having little to offer. Additionally, information about normal aging is scarce, contributing to the perpetuation of false myths about older people.
Changing our perceptions of aging
My question now is can we eliminate ageism? Robert Butler, M.D., introduced the term “ageism” in 1968. Butler felt ageism is a form of bigotry and that it is a very serious national problem. Butler also thought that the myths and stereotypes of aging are very deeply ingrained in our society. However, the older population is growing rapidly due to the multiple advances in medicine. As the numbers increase, so will their influence over politics, society, and economics. The elderly themselves will have the opportunity to help eliminate ageism.
All of us need to reflect on stereotyping. Am I stereotyping aging? To increase our knowledge of aging, we must be open to new ideas and eliminate our own judgments regarding growing older. Like me, many people make assumptions about aging, what it is like to be old and how old age will affect them. But as we are getting older, it is important to understand the positive aspects of aging. Research has shown that you can help maintain your health and mobility as you age by adopting or continuing healthy habits and lifestyle choices.
Having a positive view of aging is linked to a longer lifespan and an increased ability to recover from illness. If people think they’ll become disabled and unhappy in old age, there’s a greater likelihood of becoming true. Bottom line, combating stereotypes of aging could be as important as thinking positively about growing old.
6 Common Myths about Aging (that are not true)
- Depression and loneliness are typical in older adults.
As people age, some may find themselves feeling isolated and alone. This can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and sadness. However, these feelings are not a normal part of aging. Most older adults, most of the time, are not depressed. Growing older can have many emotional benefits, such as long-lasting relationships with friends and family and a lifetime of memories to share with loved ones.
- Mental decline is inevitable. Most older people have dementia.
Dementia is not a normal or inevitable part of aging. Only about 10% of all older adults have senile dementia or irreversible brain deterioration. Some cognitive changes are normal with age, but the truth is that many older adults can outperform middle-aged and younger adults on intelligence tests that draw on accumulated knowledge and experience.
- Older adults can’t learn new things.
This destructive myth is related to the previous one. Says Mark E. Williams, MD, in his article Exploding Three Myths and Stereotypes of Aging, “Assuming that learning and creativity decline with aging is not only inaccurate and pessimistic, but it is potentially dangerous. Creative and active projects are crucial to aging well and experiencing vital longevity. Creativity is the working side of our imagination. It has elements of action, participation, and the use of talent. None of this is limited by normal aging.”
- As you age, you get more set in your ways.
Older people tend to have high levels of mental resilience. The older generation’s ability to accept and rebound from adversity has been demonstrated multiple times. People of any age can be inflexible. Increased age does not make a person inflexible. The opposite is true; older people must adjust to changes such as retirement, disease, death of family and friends, and lifestyle.
- Older adults don’t have sex and don’t engage with romantic partners.
Sexual relations are important to older people too. The facts of life are the facts of life, even in the golden years. According to the American Psychological Association’s Office on Aging, “Although the frequency of sexual activity may decline in older adulthood, many older adults continue to enjoy a physically fulfilling sex life.”
- All older people are basically the same and they are physically deteriorating.
Quoting Dr. Mark E. Williams one more time, “As we age, we actually become more unique and differentiated, more individualized and less like one another. None of us ages in exactly the same way, and each of us ages at a different rate…we are not only aging longer, we are aging better. We are not falling apart. Longitudinal studies from the US, Gothenburg, Sweden and other countries show continued improvements in health status in 65 year-olds enrolled and studied at five-year intervals.” There is a certain amount of loss of function as we age, but much can be done to prevent (or at least slow down) the physical and mental aging processes.
While many people believe seniors are lonely, cranky, and depressed, most people would be surprised to know that precisely the opposite is often true: older adults are often outgoing, engaged, and happier than ever before. Before the pandemic, I used to go to the gym in the early morning, and coincidentally, there were always a significant number of people 65 and older. Many of them would befriend me and be talkative, energetic, funny, and full of life—a lot more than their younger counterparts.
Conclusion
We must continue to fight the stereotypes of ageism and become knowledgeable about this state of life called late adulthood. This period of our lives could be the most satisfying of all. Remember, while aging is inevitable, aging poorly is not. A wellness lifestyle can slow the effects of aging and may even slow the aging process itself. Diet, exercise, substance-free habits, intellectual activity, meaningful social relationships, and a sense of purpose can prolong vitality and prevent or postpone disability.