 Most people view aging as a completely negative process. Out of ignorance or perhaps fear, people think that aging is a process of decline and steady erosion of the joys of living.
There is good news - a plenty of the negative associations with aging are, in actual fact, wrong or exaggerated. The real story is that only 30 percent of how we age can be attributed to genes; the rest 70 percent is determined by our lifestyle choices. People can choose to be healthier seniors, and it is never too late.
The most common misconceptions on aging:
Misconception #1: Aging means physical inactivity.
In fact, seniors are not only able to exercise, but need it to keep up independence, good mental work, and to reduce risk of disease. Aerobic exercises, like walking, swimming, and others, are fundamental. They allow elder people to become independent again. Stretching and balance exercises, such as yoga or tai chai, can prevent arthritis and falls. With non-rigorous but consistent exercises, seniors can achieve high levels of functioning.
Misconception #2: Aging means Alzheimer's.
In fact, only 10 percent of people over 65 have Alzheimer's disease. Most forms of decreased mental function and dementia are caused by disuse, like letting the mind get lazy. Elder people can help prevent the loss of mental function and some forms of dementia with the help of stimulating the brain with simple exercises that train the memory, like doing crossword puzzles, playing word games, conversing with friends and family.
Misconception #3: Aging means fewer or even no contributions to society.
In fact, current retirees are more interested in an active life, including continuing to work, than their parents' generation.
Misconception #4: Aging means the end of learning.
In fact, learning is a lifelong process. Elder people with no training have embraced computer technology and are the most rapidly growing computer-literate demographic group. Moreover, they have mastered other technologies that were unknown in their youth.
Misconception #5: Aging means solitude and depression.
Unfortunately, this was indeed the fate of many previous generations of older Americans, for the most part because society had no role for them. Today's seniors increasingly are finding alternatives to being alone, like house-sharing or moving to senior living communities, where they can keep up social connections, continue to learn, and cooperate with the larger community through employment or volunteerism.
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