Misconceptions About Aging And Senior Citizens

Exploring Misconceptions About Aging And Senior CitizensAn elderly person is often referred to as a senior or senior citizen.By tradition, this stage starts at age 65 because most individuals retire by this age.However, the average lifespan is being pushed back even further and the lines are starting to blur as it relates to defining the age of a senior.The government has set 62 years as the official age for seniors because this is the age that individuals start to access their Social Security benefits.

A senior might have already retired or approaching retirement.They could need additional medical assistance or they could end up living with family, in a retirement facility, or get assistance from an in-home aide.In essence, the word seniors might call to mind images of walkers, nursing homes, and individuals of a particular age.However, reaching this later chapter in life is often exhilarating.

There is a reason this stage is called the golden years.This is the time to truly explore interests, relationships, and passions.There is a whole wide world out there for seniors to discover or rediscover.The majority of seniors no longer have to be concerned about certain day-to-day responsibilities like a career or job.

As such, it can be a liberating time of growth and exciting discoveries.When defining seniors, there is no one-size-fits-all description.Many individuals view themselves as a senior when they have retired; however, many will not allow this number to hold them down.Age is truly just a number.Common Misconceptions about Aging Seniors Have No Interest in the Outside WorldThe age group with seniors over 65 years includes individuals who are quite Internet savvy.

Far from being passive watchers of television, each year, in excess of 100,000 individuals age 50 and older participate in the experiential not-for-profit Road Scholar learning program to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures across the globe.Additionally, remaining involved academically has been an area of concentration for many universities and colleges.These institutions have designed continuing education courses for the aging adult who would like to learn while vacationing.Furthermore, many individuals, whether by necessity or choice, remain employed far beyond the typical age of retirement.

Seniors Do Not Desire Close RelationshipsHuman beings are social creatures by nature.When they are socially connected, families, teams, tribes, and entire organizations have an enhanced likelihood of survival and actually thriving.The process of aging does not negate the necessity for meaningful relationships.However, it is possible that seniors will have fewer individuals to relate to as they age, and there could be mental and physical barriers that come about with age.

Maintaining social relationships enables seniors to reap a number of rewards; these include preserving information processing skills, intellectual challenges, feedback and simply sharing of feelings.Seniors Cannot Learn New ThingsThis is totally false.Seniors still have the capacity to create new memories, learn new things, and enhance their performance in various skills.

Aging often comes with changes in the thought processes; however, a lot of cognitive changes are optimistic.Having more insight and knowledge from a lifetime of experiences is one of these positive changes.Learning and trying new skills could even enhance cognitive abilities.For instance, a study found that seniors who learned digital photography or quilting had improved memory.

Becoming socially connected to new people and engaging in social activities, like a book club or dance class, could boost cognitive as the brain is kept active.Seniors Contribute Little or Nothing to SocietyWith years of professional expertise and personal skills, seniors are highly-valued volunteers, colleagues and employees.Over 200,000 volunteers, ranging in age from 55 to 80, collaborate with Senior Corps and contribute to their communities by assisting with placing foster children.Additionally, they become involved in helping small businesses, tutoring, providing homebound seniors with companionship and assistance with everyday tasks, and taking part in other vital endeavors.

Many senior workers have an impressive work ethic and are remarkable models and mentors for the younger generations.Seniors Should Avoid Exercise to Prevent InjuryAs individuals age, there are some who believe that working out could result in more harm than good, particularly if he or she is afflicted with a chronic condition.However, studies have revealed that seniors have much to gain by being active and lots to lose by being overly inactive.Inactivity is more often to blame than aging when seniors lose the capacity to do stuff on their own.

Pretty much anyone, with most health conditions and at any age, can take part in some form of physical activity.Physical activity may actually assist with managing certain chronic conditions.Not only is physical activity remarkable for your physical and mental health, but being active can assist in keeping seniors independent as they age.Body and mind movement practices like Tai Chi have proven to improve stability and balance in the aging population and this can assist in preventing future falls and maintaining independence.

Seniors Will Inevitably Face Mental and Physical DeteriorationAs individuals age, there is some amount of loss of function; however, much can be done to slow down or even prevent the mental and physical process of aging.Some of the capabilities of stem cells are lost to aging and other cells weaken; nevertheless, healthful habits hamper the process.Cardiovascular exercise and a healthy diet decrease the risks for mental and physical deterioration Weightlifting helps in retaining the integrity of the muscle and bone.Continuous learning exercises the brain and helps to combat cognitive decline.

At any age, excessive sedentary time spent watching television is detrimental but this is especially unhealthy for seniors.This is particularly harmful since the elderly often see their generation stereotyped in TV programming as forgetful, feeble, confused, and cranky.Bear in mind that what you believe will happen, often happens.

Seniors Have No Interest in Sex or IntimacyThis persistent myth is largely due to sexual health and sexual activity among senior citizens being discussed and studied infrequently.A University of Michigan National Poll was conducted in 2017 on Healthy Aging.Participants were made up of a sample of adults between ages 50 and 80 and they were asked about their viewpoint on relationships and sex.The results revealed that nearly 65 percent or two in three respondents had an interest in sex.

The results also showed that 76 percent established that sex is an essential aspect of a romantic relationship even as seniors.Forty percent of the respondents showed that they remain sexually active.Moreover, it has been consistently found in studies that there is a link between overall well-being and positive sexual activity, even among senior citizens.It is still unclear whether one is the cause of the other; however, there is no doubting the mutual benefit.

While age affects the regularity of sexual activity, a recent study available in The Journal of Sexual Medicine revealed that feeling close emotionally to a partner during sexual activity and the sexual act itself were linked to both women and men, age 50 years and older, experiencing greater pleasure in life.Seniors Lose Their Will to LiveWhen they believe they have a sense of control over death, senior citizens typically become more accepting of it.A controlled and comfortable environment is preferred by most individuals, despite age.

Individuals who are mentally sound typically want to live well.An individual who is mentally stable will not feel the need to abbreviate his or her life, especially because of worries associated with aging.Seniors Cannot Make Sound Decisions about Essential MattersWisdom comes with age.

Cognitive skills are rooted in a life of education and experience.Joint decision-making, whether concerning a financial decision, medical choice, or anything else related to an elderly individual, should involve him or her providing he or she is still mentally capable.This type of collaboration will enhance outcomes.Benefits Seniors Can ReceiveThere are many benefits that can be gained from being a senior citizen.

These include:Senior DiscountsAmong the best aspects of aging are discounts offered to the senior population.The elderly have been positively contributing to the economy for years; therefore, during this stage, they should start getting things cheaper.Types of Senior DiscountsSeniors receive numerous discounts that might be surprising to some.Virtually every renowned organization offers a senior discount in one way or another.

The discounts received by seniors include: Medical care Retail Restaurants Various services Travel Entertainment Hotels Banking and investmentThere are local organizations that regularly offer seniors deals as well.Whether it is a year-round offer or a special shopping day for seniors, these organizations look out for the elderly.Typically, seniors get roughly 10 to 15 percent off meals, travel, and certain services.

While conditions apply, there are still some good deals to take advantage of.Better SexMany seniors still have sexual aspirations.Sexuality does not necessarily go dormant during the senior years.In fact, while older women may engage in sex less frequently than during the younger years, they apparently make their sexual encounters count.

In a recent study of women over the age of 40, researchers have discovered that sexual satisfaction actually improved with age.Females over 80 were more apt than individuals between 55 and 79 to state they were fulfilled during sexual activities.Common Worries and Fears Experienced by SeniorsFeeling nervous or anxious is a common emotion for individuals of all ages and a typical response to stress.The feeling of anxiousness can assist in handling strange situations, avoiding danger, and staying away from other problems.

It is normal to feel anxious about frightening events, illnesses, and new social interactions.Many seniors are also afraid of falling, not having enough money to cover medication and living expenses, and being victimized.They also fear being left alone, being dependent on others, and death.As they get older, some seniors fear losing their dignity and having to get assistance with daily tasks, particularly ones involving bathing, getting dressed, and other personal hygiene and grooming tasks.

This concern can be addressed by providing seniors with as much privacy as possible to maintain their self-esteem and dignity.But everyone will need help eventually.Hiring an aide through a reputable home care service can offer a means to enable a senior to live safely, independently, and with dignity.Joys Experienced By SeniorThere are many seniors who find different ways to experience joy throughout their golden years.

They do this by: Focusing on CapabilitiesThere are seniors who have reported that they are happier when they concentrate on their capabilities and find their activities rewarding; as opposed to focusing on any decline they may detect in their abilities.This can be backed by a recent study that revealed that by accepting the aging process and becoming accustomed to age-related changes, seniors can experience successful aging and overall wellbeing.Staying Connected SociallyMany seniors have found that they get joy from frequently participating in social activities, making interactions, and providing support to others.

This also significantly contributes to the mental health and overall wellbeing of seniors, based on a recent study on aging healthfully.Being Actively Involved in LifeSeniors citizens have stated that actively engaging in life via social, mental and physical activities is a key element to them aging successfully and experiencing life satisfaction.Researchers have found that seniors who were physically active were more than two times as likely to sustain favorable health and wellbeing.

VolunteeringSome senior citizens have stated that formally volunteering has increased psychosocial wellbeing and reduced depression.Seniors have also reported that feeling needed or appreciated has boosted their wellbeing and individuals with chronic conditions gained the biggest benefits.Accentuating the PositiveSome elderly individuals have found that as they age, they view challenges and experiences with a more positive attitude.

A study was recently carried out and researchers found that in memory tests when compared to younger adults, seniors remembered more positive imagery than negative images.When shown pictures of individuals scowling or smiling, seniors more quickly remembered the smiling faces as well.