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10 Of The Most Common Myths About Aging
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9. Most older people will end up in a nursing home
In the U.S. only about 5% of individuals age 65 and older live in a long-term care facility or nursing home. Even among individuals over the age of 90, only about half live in these settings. Most individuals want to “age in place” in the home they currently live in. The good news is most people are able to do so.
10. Older individuals are pretty much all the same
Perhaps the most common myth surrounding aging is the idea that aging looks the same for everyone or that older individuals are pretty much the same. To lump all individuals 65 and older in one broad category means that we’re saying individuals as much as 40 years apart are the same. I dare say most people would not tell a 20-year old woman that she is basically the same as a 55-year old! So, we definitely should not do this to a 60-year old and a 95 year old. The truth is even two older individuals who are the same age are likely very different. Two 80-year olds each have 80 years of totally different lived experiences making them each unique individuals. Diversity and experiences make us who we are and older individuals are no different!
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With these 10 myths and other countless stereotypes related to aging, we must begin to reimagine the way we think about growing older. It’s up to us to dispel these misconceptions not only for today’s older adults, but also for our future selves. Because let’s face it, no matter what age we are now, we’re all growing older one day at a time.
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