Stereotyped views of older people are common. Many younger people expect the aged to be physically and mentally frail. Such perceptions can lead to patronizing treatment and even abuse. Let’s look at some of these myths and contrast them with the facts.
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Myth: |
Most older people show a significant decline in their mental abilities. |
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Fact: |
Until age 75, very little decline occurs in cognitive skills like memory or problem solving . Even after that, there are wide individual differences, with many people retaining their intellectual skills well into old age. Nor is senility an inevitable part of the aging process. Most studies find that only a small percentage of those 65 and over suffer from dementia (a global impairment of intellectual functioning), usually the result of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Many, if not most, older adults are fully mentally competent. |
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Myth: |
Most elderly people are in poor health. |
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Fact: |
Although ill health is more common after 65, more than a third in this age group still report their health as "excellent" or "very good". And many of the elderly who do have health problems or a degree of physical disability are still able to handle everyday tasks with little or no difficulty. For example, one study of adults over 80 years of age found that the majority had no problem lifting ten pounds or climbing a set of stairs. In addition, older adults are less likely to suffer from mental health problems (such as substance abuse or anxiety disorders) than younger adults. |
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Myth: |
Most elderly people live in institutions. |
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Fact: |
In our culture, most single older adults live alone, unlike other societies, such as Japan, where elders often live with family. Gender is a factor here, with many more women living alone, since elderly women are more likely to be widowed. Given adequate financial support, most older adults prefer to live alone, even if they have health problems. And, although the proportion of renters rises with age, 64% of those over 65 live in their own homes. |
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Myth: |
Most older people are lonely and unhappy. |
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Fact: |
The truth is, the vast majority of people over 65 report being very satisfied with life. Even among those who perceive their health as "fair" or "poor", 86% are quite satisfied with their lives. Satisfaction is higher for elderly people who have higher incomes and who are married. Those who have strong social support networks are also happier. |
