There are many myths that accompany older people and the ageing process: loss of sexuality, bad temper, depression and so on.

Far from being rational, we fall into the error of generalizing traits in certain age groups , and older people are often the worst off. To the outdated image in the way of thinking, we integrate a retrograde vision in the way of living and relating, something that increasingly clashes with reality as both the media and they show us.

Widespread myths and misconceptions about aging

However, these myths survive despite the number of exceptions that represent older people.

These are s eis ideas that we have wrongly formed about our elders .

1.Aging implies physical and mental deterioration

As we age, our capabilities may be diminished, but this does not necessarily mean that we suffer disabling physical and mental deterioration. The key is to stay active to cope with old age at an optimal level and thus prevent loss of function. Being a primary agent of health and promoting it instead of getting carried away by what we believe has to come.

You may be interested in: “Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): concept, causes and symptoms”

2.Older people develop bad character

Often we talk about grumpy, impertinent and ill-mannered older people . However, we fall into the error of generalising because such behaviour is not exclusive to older people. Do you not know a nice, polite and loving older person? If so, do not fall into this error.

3.The same fate awaits us all in aging

“The acts I perform in the present will determine my future.” This is a reality, so depending on what kind of life you lead, you will grow old . Start taking care of yourself now and follow the principles of active aging.

4.Aging is synonymous with loss of sexuality

Sexuality remains throughout life. With age you can decrease your activity, but the desire remains , as well as the exercise of your genital function.

5.As we age we become more useless

This idea negatively affects opportunities for personal growth and autonomy.

It also contributes to social isolation and attacks the mood. It is just as bad that others think this about the elderly as it is that they themselves feel this way. If I don’t believe in something, my actions won’t be directed towards finding it.

6.Older people are sadder than younger people

Sadness is not linked to the years, but to the circumstances of life and the way we face and overcome them. Older people are more likely to live through critical moments, it is natural, but life experience provides them with tools to get through it. Most older people reflect a high degree of well-being and happiness.

By way of conclusion

From the blog Aging in Network of the CSIC we conclude that..:

“Old age not only brings ailments: it also brings happiness. It’s not growing old that takes away happiness, but the circumstances associated with aging.”

We have not been taught how to grow old, but neither is the image of a generalised, disabling and dependent old age real.Today, maturity is one more stage of life characterized by healthy and active people who seek in a moment of plenitude all that they wanted to do in life and could not for a multitude of reasons.

I’m sure that if you stop to think you know people between 60 and 90 years old, happy, active, independent, full of energy and healthy.If so, do not fall into the overgeneralization and set out to contradict all those myths by putting you as an example in the future.