subject: Myths About Aging [print this page] Myths About Aging Myths About Aging
A lot of seniors are under assumptions mostly false ones regarding the aging process and what they can or cannot do as they grow older. Don't become a slave to these myths. It is true that pain and sickness are sometimes unavoidable during this phase of life, but these challenges can be met by consuming a healthy diet, exercising and practicing good habits and self care.
General myths related to aging
The first myth Possibly the worst fable is that old age automatically translates into disability and poor health.
Truth: While a few diseases are more common among silvers, aging does not automatically confer these on you or mean being confined to a wheelchair. There are many seniors who enjoy excellent health because they eat healthy, exercise, manage stress well and take steps to maintain a healthy mind. These measures help decrease falls and the chances of developing chronic ailments.
The second myth Memory loss is an inescapable component of aging.
Truth: Memory loss is not inevitable with aging, though you may find the memory retrieval process slower than in the past. There are several measures you can adopt to ensure your memory remains sharp.
The third myth Perhaps the myth most detrimental to your thinking is that you cannot learn or contribute anything new as an older adult.
Truth: It s possible to learn new things, flourish in a novel environment, and share your experience and wisdom with younger generations at any stage in life. All you need to have is confidence in yourself.
The fourth myth Depression is an inevitable part of the aging process.
Truth: There are many tough changes seniors face like retirement, death of loved ones, and illness that can result in depression. Depression can be exacerbated if you don't have access to a good support system. However, depression is not a necessary or normal part of growing old and support and treatment will get you back on track.
Myths related to senior exercise
Myth #1 There is no point in taking up exercise as you are too old to exercise.
Fact: It's never too late to start exercising. If you have not exercised before or there has been a long break, begin with light walking or mild exercises. Strength training and exercise build up stamina and make you feel and look youthful. The unbeatable benefit of regular exercise is it lowers your chances of developing conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, various cancers, diabetes, heart disease, dementia and Alzheimer's.
Myth #2 Seniors should not work out, but rest to save strength.
Fact: A sedentary lifestyle is not healthy at any age. Studies show that inactivity leads to invalidity and results in more disease conditions, falls and injuries, doctor visits, hospitalizations, and medication use.
Myth #3 Exercise increases the risk of falls and injuries.
Fact: Actually on the contrary, regular exercise builds stamina, strength, reduces bone loss and most important, improves balance, and thereby reduces fall risk.
Myth #4 I cannot exercise as I'm in a wheelchair.
Fact: Those who are chair bound need movement even more and can benefit from chair aerobics, stretches, and lifting weights to encourage cardiovascular health, and improve muscle tone and flexibility.
