Old Age: What is True or False?

Old age is getting longer as we live longer and there is a lot of misinformation about this stage of life. What they can do and what they can no longer do well. Since Americans are seeing a tsunami of seniors now in their 80s and 90s with the Boomers coming up next, it can be reassuring to separate facts from myths about old age.  What we think we know, isn’t always so. With facts, we can plan better and have greater understanding of how we may change and how our elder parents are doing.

Test your knowledge about Old Age:

1. Older Adults aren’t particularly interested in the opposite sex.
2. If I stay home, I won’t fall.
3. Once you are Old, you’ll stop learning and evolving.
4. By 2030, adults over age 65 will be 20 percent of the population.
5. Personality changes with age.
6. Our senses decrease with age.
7. Most 80 year old drivers are able to drive safely.
8. Retirement is detrimental to health.
9. Older Adults are at a high risk for HIV/Aids and STDs.
10. Hospice care is only for people who are near death.

How’d you do with these 10 statements?  Here are the answers:

1. Ha! Welcome to the era of Viagra. Older adults are as sexually active as they choose to be. The type of sex may be a bit different from younger years.
2. Sorry, most falls occur in the home. Go out, have fun, be careful and perhaps do some physical therapy.
3. Ask any senior with a smartphone.  Research has finally shown that the brain does evolve and though the process may be a bit slower, you can learn at any age.
4. Thank you Baby Boomers. Currently, about 10,000 boomers turn 65 each day.
5. Personality remains constant throughout life. In fact, some traits from our youth and young adulthood become more pronounced in older age.
6. Each individual is different, on average the 5 senses don’t work as strongly as we get older.
7. Males 18-24 are still the most reckless drivers. For 80 year olds with some visual, hearing, cognitive decline, driving does become more dangerous.
8. Actually, the reduction in stress improves functional health. Health decline occurs for different reasons; retirement is not one of them.
9. True, they are less likely to use protection as they don’t fear pregnancy. Therefore, they are at greater risk for STDs.
10. Not anymore. People can be on Hospice care for a couple of years and move on and off service.

Aging and Health are very individualized

Technology and better medicine has changed many folks overall situation in older age. Medication, improved diet and movement regimens have helped many seniors age better. There are many community services which also help elders to remain engaged, social and vital.