COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT AGING
“You’re only as old as you think you are” may be more than just a motivating cliché. Your personal attitude and cultural expectations toward aging may play a bigger role than we think. While getting older certainly beats the alternative, today’s senior citizens’ are more physically and mentally active than ever before. While genes, health, economics and many other factors influence how we age, the Today show recently reported that “science has dispelled a number of these, including the biggest myth of all: that we have no say in how well we age.”
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Misconception: Older adults are frail and weak
Reality: Men and women may continue to build muscle into their 90s, especially if they participate in regular weight lifting routines. According to Clinical Nutrition Journal, “older, healthy people should get at least 1.0 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day.” Keep in mind that older people will need more recovery time between workouts and may need to consume more protein if serious weight lifting is part of the training regime.
Maintaining a diet higher in protein than carbs as well as lifting weights regularly can help prevent the loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia). In turn, injuries common to older adults, such as falls, increased body fat, broken bones and overall frailty, may be delayed or prevented by keeping your body as strong as possible.
Misconception: Your sex life is over after menopause
Reality: While it is true that as we age, the levels of our sex hormones decline resulting in a decline in our sex drive. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean older adults do not want to engage or are incapable of engaging in sex. Using a sampling of Americans aged 57-85 from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, The Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences reported that “41.4 percent of those ages 75-85 who had a sexual partner had sex during the last year, according to a study published in 2009. Of those, 54 percent had it 2-3 times per month or more.”
Misconception: Senior citizens have no short-term memory
Reality: Just like our physical health, our mental capabilities decline with age. However, just like our other muscles can be strengthen with exercise and activity, so can our brain. In addition to keeping our minds active and engaged through social interactions, reading and cognitive stimulation, such as puzzles and games, physical activity can help as well, particularly cardiovascular exercise. Aerobic exercise helps keep blood vessels supple, improving blood flow throughout the body, including to the brain. In fact, the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, recently reported a study by a French team of scientists found that higher levels of aerobic fitness in older women were related to better cognitive performance.
Misconception: Old people are grumpy
Reality: Some people are grumpy regardless of age but overall, studies have found that adults are more satisfied with life as they age. This phenomenon is known as the paradox of well-being. Of course, it is easier to be happy if you are in good health and have a strong network of support, including frequent contact with friends and family.
Misconception: Old people are very slow
Reality: Yes and no. People do slow down as they get older primarily due to an overall decline in physical fitness. However, “a study of runners from the University of New Hampshire in 2011 showed that older runners (over 60) were slower than younger ones” but “older runners were just as efficient, meaning their strides were just as economical, as younger runners. So while they might not win a marathon, they can keep going and going.” There’s something to be said for endurance over speed, right?
When the time has come to care for your aging loved one or your family member is no longer able to live independently, please contact the knowledgeable staff at CalRegistry to help you find elder care services or an assisted living facility within California that is customized for your situation.