6 Misconceptions And False Myths About Older People
There are many myths that accompany older people and the aging process: loss of sexuality, bad character, depression and a long etcetera.
Far from being rational, We make the mistake of generalizing traits in certain age groups , and older people are usually the ones who come out worst. To the outdated image in the way of thinking, we integrate a retrograde vision in the way of living and relating, something that increasingly clashes with reality as both the media and themselves show us.
However, these myths survive despite the number of exceptions that represent older people.
These are yes six ideas that we have formed wrongly about our elders
1. Aging involves physical and mental deterioration
As we age, our abilities may be diminished, but this does not necessarily mean that we suffer disabling physical and mental deterioration. The key is to stay active to face old age at an optimal level and thus prevent loss of functionality. Be the primary agent of health and promote it instead of getting carried away by what we believe has to come.
You may be interested in: “Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): concept, causes and symptoms”
Often there is talk of cantankerous, impertinent and poorly educated older people However, we make the mistake of generalizing since these behaviors are not exclusive to older people. Don’t you know a nice, polite and loving elder? If so, don’t make this mistake.
3. The same fate awaits us all in aging
“The actions I carry out in the present will determine my future.” This is a reality, so depending on what kind of life you lead, this is how you will age Start taking care of yourself now and follow the principles of active aging.
4. Aging is synonymous with the loss of sexuality
Sexuality remains throughout life. With the age your activity may decrease, but the desire remains as well as the exercise of their genital function.
5. As we get older we become more useless
This idea negatively affects opportunities for personal growth and autonomy.
In addition, it contributes to social isolation and attacks the mood. It is as serious that others think this about elders as it is that they themselves feel this way. If I don’t believe in something, my actions will not be directed towards its pursuit.
6. Older people are sadder than young people
Sadness is not linked to age, but to life circumstances and the way we face and overcome them. Older people will more likely experience critical moments, it is natural, but life experience gives them tools to get ahead. Most older people reflect a high degree of well-being and happiness.
From the blog Aging in the CSIC Network we conclude that…:
“Old age not only brings with it ailments: it also brings happiness. It is not getting older that reduces happiness, but the circumstances that are associated with aging.”
And they have not taught us how to age, but the image of a generalized disabling and dependent old age is not real either. Nowadays, Maturity is another stage of life characterized by healthy and active people who seek a moment of fulfillment everything they wanted to do in life but couldn’t for a multitude of reasons.
Surely if you stop to think you know people between 60 and 90 years old, happy, active, independent, full of energy and healthy. If so, do not fall into overgeneralization and set out to contradict all these myths by using yourself as an example in the future.
