Read the following Myths: The Myths of Aging In

Read the following Myths:

The Myths of Aging In contrast to those who are successfully; there are those who succumb to misconceptions about the aging process. Myths and “old wives’ tales” persist on the subject of aging and its supposed “debilitations.” Rowe and Kahn (1998, pp. 13–38) highlight some of the more glaring myths, along with evidence to refute these myths: Myth:

To be old is to be sick.

Fact: Older Americans are generally healthy. The percentage of older adults (over sixty-five years of age) reported with disabilities, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and dental problems has declined significantly over the past thirty years.

Myth: The elderly cannot broaden or sharpen their minds.

Fact: Research has shown that the aged brain is capable of making new connections, absorbing new data, acquiring new skills, and improving short-term memory with practice. The speed of learning does slow with age.

Myth: By the time you reach old age, it is too late to attempt to reduce health risks and take positive steps toward better health.

Fact: Research has demonstrated that it is almost never too late to take healthy steps to improve health, including exercise, good nutrition, and eliminating health risks like smoking.

Myth: As we advance in age, heredity totally accounts for the rate of decline in the body’s functions.

Fact: There is a meaningful connection between aging and genetics, but the role of genetics has been overstated. Family habits and environment are important influences on disease prevention, as are maintaining high physical and mental functioning and actively engaging in strong interpersonal relationships.

Myth: The elderly are not interested in sex or able to participate in sexual activity.

Fact: Sexual activity does decrease with age, beginning around the age of fifty. But there are significant individual differences in this aspect of life. Research indicates that at age sixty-eight, approximately 70 percent of males are sexually active on a regular basis. For older women, sexual activity is mainly dependent on the availability of an appropriate partner. A basic human need for affection and physical contact persists throughout all stages of life.

Myth: Elderly people are unproductive.

Fact: Over two-thirds of older men and women either work for pay or work as volunteers. Others provide informal assistance to community, church, and/or neighborhood concerns and causes. Often older workers are not given the same consideration for paid employment opportunities as younger workers are.

Describe a situation in one of these myths that you have personal experience. It can be with a family member, a friend or yourself.