By Liz Seegert
We’ve all been conditioned to make assumptions about aging; many clichés have been ingrained since we were toddlers, according to aging expert Becca Levy, author of Breaking the Age Code.
Even the most diligent journalists can sometimes fall into the trap of perpetuating ageist stereotypes, whether it’s assuming that dementia is automatically part of getting older or that seniors can’t learn new skills. According to the National Institutes on Aging, here are some of the most common myths and misconceptions about older people:
1. Myth: depression and loneliness are normal in older adults
Fact: while it’s true that some people may feel more isolated and alone, which can lead to depression, anxiety, or sadness, this is not a normal part of aging. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, many older adults were found to be more resilient than expected — finding new ways to alleviate isolation and loneliness by connecting with family and friends through social media or video conferencing. That’s not to say depression doesn’t occur — especially if an older person is in poor health, which can limit social interaction.
However, experts say that growing older actually has many emotional benefits, such as long-lasting relationships with friends and family and a lifetime of memories to share with loved ones. Studies show that older adults are less likely to experience depression than young adults. So, when should you be concerned? It’s important to remember that older adults with depression may have less obvious symptoms or be less likely to discuss their feelings. Depression is a common and potentially serious mood disorder, but there are treatments that are effective for most people.
2. Myth: Older adults can’t learn new things
Fact: Older adults still have the ability to learn new things, create new memories, and improve their performance in a variety of skills. While aging does often come with changes in thinking, many cognitive changes are positive, such as having more knowledge and insight from a lifetime of experiences. Trying and learning new skills may even improve cognitive abilities. Many studies find that older adults who learn new skills — from digital photography to playing a musical instrument to participating in regular exercise had improved memory. Seeking out new social connections with others and engaging in social activities, such as a dance class or book club, also keeps aging brains active and may enhance cognitive health.
3. Myth: Dementia is an inevitable part of aging
Fact: Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Although the risk of dementia increases with age, it is not inevitable. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without the significant declines in thinking and behavior that characterize dementia.
Occasionally forgetting an appointment or losing your keys are typical signs of mild forgetfulness, which is very common in normal aging. Memory problems can have a range of different causes, including underlying medical conditions or side effects from medication.
4. Myth: Osteoporosis only affects women.
Fact: Although osteoporosis is more common in women, this disease still affects many men and could be under-diagnosed. While men may not be as likely to have osteoporosis because they start with more bone density than women, one in five men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture. By age 65 or 70, men and women lose bone mass at the same rate.
Many of the things that put women at risk are the same as those for men, including family history, not enough calcium or vitamin D, and too little exercise. Low levels of testosterone, excessive alcohol consumption, taking certain drugs, and smoking are other risk factors.
5. Myth: People need less sleep as they get older
Fact: As people age, they may find themselves having a harder time falling and staying asleep. A common misconception is that a person’s sleep needs to decline with age. Older adults need the same amount of sleep as all adults — 7 to 9 hours each night. Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and optimal function. Adequate sleep can also help reduce risk of falls, keep the immune system strong and improve overall mental well-being, among other benefits.
However, aging brings changes in sleep duration and sleep stages, as well as in quality of sleep, according to researchers. Some studies found that sleep disturbances can also occur due to insomnia, comorbid conditions, side effects of multiple medications, psychosocial factors or certain sleep disorders, like sleep apnea. Sleep disturbances can lead to increased daytime sleepiness, and planned or unplanned naps — which then makes it more difficult to fall and stay asleep at night. And for those with dementia, changes in the brain can wreak havoc with a “normal” night’s sleep.
Story ideas
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Myth busting — conduct a Q&A with a local geriatrician or other aging expert to explore, and counter, some of the common misconceptions or stereotypes about older adults among your readers/listeners/viewers.
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Lifelong learning — profile a program such as computer or art classes specifically designed for older adults to counter the myth that seniors can’t learn new things.
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Still working — Interview/profile people in their 80s, 90s or beyond that are still undertaking intellectual pursuits such as teaching, writing, attending college classes, starting a new business, practicing law, etc. to help dispel the misconception that dementia, isolation or depression are inevitable parts of aging.
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Go back to school — many universities and colleges have become more “age-friendly,” encouraging older people to return for an advanced degree or just audit courses for the pleasure of learning. Check out age-friendly campuses in your community and talk to both students and teachers about their experiences.
Resources
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Older Adults Technology Centers (OATS) — provides instruction, support and physical space for adults over 60 to become and stay technologically connected.
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Age-Friendly Universities — a global movement that provides educational opportunities for older adults at higher education institutions which commit to being more age friendly in their programs and policies. They also offer education, training, curricula and research in the field of aging for faculty.
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Designing a new social infrastructure to combat loneliness in older adults — by Linda Fried, M.D., dean of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. She looks at the societal-level ageism that contributes to this problem and offers policy and practical suggestions to address it.
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Combatting Ageist Stereotypes — this Next Avenue article looks at how older people self-perpetuate ageist tropes and how to overcome them.
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Not Too Old for TikTok: How Older Adults Are Reframing Aging — interesting paper on how older people are pushing back against ageism through the popular social media platform.
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The UnLonely Project — promotes people and community connections through the arts. Not just for older adults, this program also addresses loneliness on campus, in the workplace and in the community.
