Misconceptions About Aging
Growing older comes with many changes, physically and mentally. It also comes with endless misconceptions, which may impact your ability to live a full, quality life. Instead of buying into the misinformation about what you can and can’t do, it’s time to learn the truth behind what it means to get older.
Misconception 1: Memory Loss Is A Normal Part Of Aging
Like most other body parts, your brain and memory change with age. Mild forgetfulness is common, such as occasionally misplacing items but remembering where they are moments later. However, more severe memory loss is often a sign of mild cognitive impairment or dementia, and it is not a normal part of aging.
Signs that your memory changes may not be age-related include:
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Repeating questions
- Having trouble following directions
- Forgetting the names of people close to you
- Having trouble caring for yourself
Misconception 2: Physical Activity Causes Injuries
Exercise-related injuries can happen to anyone, and they are more common among older adults because seniors may have weaker bones, muscles, and joints. However, injuries caused by physical activity are more often because of overuse or unsafe practices and not because of a person’s age.
Physical activity provides significantly more benefits than harm to seniors and can even reduce the risk of injuries. Immediate benefits of exercise for seniors include better sleep, reduced blood pressure, and improved well-being. Sticking to your movement routines can improve brain and heart health, prevent certain cancers, and improve balance and coordination.
Misconception 3: Age Means You Can’t Change Habits
Many people like to insinuate that it’s too late to change a poor habit after a certain age because the damage is already done. But it’s never too late to make better decisions for your health. Even if you’ve been indulging in a poor health habit like smoking for decades, you can still benefit from making changes.
Changing habits include starting new healthy habits. You’re never too old to start a fitness routine or meal prep. You may have to make modifications due to your age and see different results than a younger adult, but there are always benefits to instilling healthy habits at any age.
Misconception 4: You Can’t Learn New Things As You Age
We know the brain changes with age, and you will notice changes in how you think and learn. It’s common for older adults to need more time to learn and comprehend ideas, but needing more time to process new information does not mean you can’t learn new things as you get older.
Lifelong learning and continuing to learn as you age leads to cognitive growth, according to research from 2020. There are no limits on what you can learn. With online courses, internet resources, and libraries, there are many ways for you to expand your mind with age. See what the Gadsden Public Library has to offer.
Misconception 5: Aging Seniors Can’t Live Independently
Some seniors believe that once they reach a certain age or health status, they’ll have to move into an assisted living or senior living community. While moving to a facility that helps seniors is a viable option, it is not something they must do.
With the right assistance, many seniors can age in place, lively independently in the homes they’re most comfortable in. Working with a dedicated home care agency, like Visiting Angels, is a great option to keep you safe and comfortable at home.
Aging With Visiting Angels
At Visiting Angels, we believe every senior deserves a quality life at home if they choose to. Our amazing team of compassionate caregivers can assist with many tasks, from light housekeeping and medication reminders to mobility assistance and personal grooming. Whatever our clients need to feel safe and comfortable aging at home, we’re here to help.
Contact our Gadsden office to learn more about our at-home care services.