Karen’s korner,
There are so many things that we hear today that are not true. There are so many false news reports that air each day. The news seems to be more opinionated today than factual.
According to “(WealthUpdate),” there are several things that are misrepresented or considered myths – it continues to be handed down or distributed as a fact, when it is not, especially when we are dealing with senior adults.
For example:
Myth: Dementia is an Inevitable Part of Aging:
In truth, most people who live into old age don’t develop dementia. From the National Institute on Aging: “Dementia affects millions of people and is more common as people grow older (about one-third of all people age 85 or older may have some form of dementia) but it is not a normal part of aging. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without any signs of dementia.”
Myth: Depression Is a Normal Part of Aging:
While there are many seniors who do face loneliness from time to time, many remain active, social, and engaged with others. “Some estimates of major depression in older people living in the community range from less than 1% to about 5% but rise to 13.5% in those who require home healthcare and to 11.5% in older hospitalized patients,” the CDC says.
Myth: All Older Adults Are Bad Drivers:
“A LendingTree study using 2023 data, including millions of insurance quotes, found that sitting pretty in the two safest spots were Baby Boomers, (1946-1964) with just 19.44 incidents per 1,000 drivers, and the Silent Generation, (1928-1945) with a mere 19.05.
Myth: All Older Adults End up in Nursing Homes:
Aging in place – ”the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. ”Data from The Washington Post shows that fewer than 10% of 85-year-old Americans live in nursing homes. Around half of people aged 85 and older live with family, such as a spouse or adult children. More than 40% live alone. according to the CDC—is an important goal for most older adults.
Myth: Learning + Attention Abilities Are Diminished:
In 2023, associate professors Rachel Wu and Jessica A. Church wrote in Scientific American to describe their study of adults between ages 58 and 86. The adults took three weekly classes, each lasting two hours, to learn new skills. Their findings? “In giving these seniors a supportive and structured three-course routine—much like an undergraduate student’s schedule—seemed to eventually improve their memory and attention to levels similar to that of a college student.”
Education and learning about the facts will always clear up myths that are out there, especially about senior adults. To learn more, contact the Council on Aging, at 318-371-3056! SENIORS RULE!!!