Aging is one of those experiences that people seem to misunderstand all the time. Sure, there is definitely some truth to the myths that we hear, such as aging can be depressing or even lonely. However, that’s not always the case. In fact, the majority of seniors grow old with happy and fulfilling lives. So in this post, we’re going to tackle some of the myths and stereotypes about aging and help dispel them so that we can create a more positive view of aging.
Myth: Aging Can be Lonely
In the past, seniors didn’t have an easy way to communicate with their friends and family members outside of just going over and visiting them. These days, things are a lot different. Most adults know how to use smartphones and technology is getting a lot more advanced and convenient. With help from the internet and powerful mobile devices, aging doesn’t have to be lonely anymore. We can stay in touch with everyone around us, we can see our loved ones whenever we want with video calling, and we can message people from all over the world.
Myth: Aging Means You’ll Be Sent to a Nursing Home
A lot of people believe that aging means you’ll be sent off to a nursing home, never to return to your house again. This simply isn’t true and there are many services and people out there who are helping create reform to keep seniors safe from nursing homes. You can keep your independence, you can keep your home, and you can focus more on what you want to achieve in your life. A nursing home might be important if you need a lot of medical attention, but in most cases, seniors are perfectly fine living in their own homes for the rest of their lives as long as they get enough support.
Myth: Aging Reduces Your Creativity
This is absolutely not true. There are many people that find themselves developing even more creative passions as a result of their aging. They find that they have even more time to devote to their passions, meaning they can explore their interests and hobbies and get even more creative than they were earlier in their lives. Some people even find their creative calling in their golden years.
Myth: Aging Dulls Your Wits
Many people associate seniors with having slow reaction times and reduced mental capabilities. While this can be true to some extent due to physical and cognitive changes, it doesn’t mean that you can’t continue to enjoy your favourite hobbies. Even today, there are many seniors who still work, engage in activities, and even play video games. There are many activities that can help seniors stay healthy and happy, and you can continue to enjoy your hobbies and interests to ensure that your wits don’t dull. To give you more peace of mind, the Alzheimer’s Association revealed that only 5% of those over the age of 65 will actually develop dementia.