07/13/2021
Do You Still Really Think
Old Age is So Bad?
Five Myths About Aging
For 99% of human history, the average life expectancy was under 18 years of age. So, itβs not surprising that getting older and living beyond the average life expectancy led to common, quite unattractive assumptions about aging and old age. Significant advances mostly in public health have precipitated an incredible change. In 1900, human life expectancy had grown to 47 years and, by 2000, life expectancy had become 77 years. But, those unattractive, and mostly negative, assumptions about aging and old age have remained with us despite the spectacular increase in life expectancy. Five, what now can be called βmythsβ of aging, persist:
Myth 1: To be old is to be sick. Actually, most older people today are still able to live independently in their own homes until they reach very advanced age.
Myth 2: You canβt teach an old dog new tricks. In fact, older people can easily make changes to improve their lives and situation.
Myth 3: The secret to successful aging is to choose your parents wisely. Genetics are not the only factors determining how we age. The good news is that social and behavioural factors within our control also play and important role in shaping health and well being.
Myth 4: The horse is out of the barn. Many people believe: βItβs just too lateβ to do any good. Yet, we now understand that adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours can provide a real boost at any age.
Myth 5: The elderly donβt pull their own weight. In reality, more and more older people today are attracted by what is called βproductive agingβ, whether by extending years or paid employment or by engaging in productive roles in their families and communities.
So, have you begun to alter your perception of the meaning of aging and your assumptions related to it?
For advice about seniors and care at home, please kindly contact Brian Porter, Director and Owner of Living Assistance Services (LAS), at 416.483.0070 (ofο¬ce), 905.758.2486 (cell) or b.porter@laservices.ca and visit:
www.laservices.ca
We provide senior care, in home elderly care, and senior home care services in the Greater Toronto Area and throughout southern Ontario.
