Debunking 4 Myths About Aging

There exists many misconceptions or myths about aging which leads to stereotyping, naming, labeling, and categorizing. In this blog, I will examine and debunk four of these myths:

1. Most older adults (age 65+) are in poor physical health, are neglected by family, and reside in nursing facilities. This is an example of stereotyping and labeling and demonstrates the fear and ignorance people have about older adults. “There are significant differences among the young-old (ages 65-74), the old-old (ages 75-84) and the oldest-old (ages 85 and over)” (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2011, p. 7). To say that most adults over 65 are in poor health is an overstatement whereas, “in 2015, 39% of non institutionalized people age 75 and over assessed their health as excellent or very good (compared to 54% for persons aged 45-64)” (Administration on Aging, 2016, p. 11). Although most older adults suffer from one or more chronic conditions, advancements in medicine have helped control and decrease the deterioration these diseases ravaged in the past. Older adults are more apt to seek medical attention earlier and “97% of older persons reported that they did have a usual place to go for medical care” (Administration on Aging, 2016, p. 12). Neglect in older adults is a real and threatening issue. However, to state that most older adults are neglected by their families is false. Family members make up the majority of caregivers in the U.S. Also, older adults are often tasked with the care of our youngest population while their parents work or are unable to afford alternative childcare. This myth is perpetuated rightfully however because “elder neglect or deprivation, whether deliberate or unintentional, accounts for 60 to 70 percent of all reported elder mistreatment cases. Self-neglect is three times more likely to occur than physical abuse or caregiver neglect and is becoming more widespread as older adults stay in their homes longer” (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2011, p. 421). In my opinion, it is best to expect neglect of our elders and provide adequate attention and prevention so although this is a myth; it is of great merit and importance. “A relatively small number (1.5 million) and percentage (3.1%) of the 65+ population in 2015 living in institutional settings. Among those who did, 1.2 million lived in nursing homes. However, the percentage increases dramatically with age, ranging (in 2015) from 1% for persons 65-74 years to 3% for persons 75-84 years and 9% for persons 85+” (Administration on Aging, 2016, p. 5). This myth exists mostly from fear and dread of institutional care. “Most people hold negative attitudes toward nursing homes, even though the quality of care in many facilities is excellent. Accordingly, the placement decision often arouses feelings of grief, loss, guilt, and fear, and may renew past family conflicts” (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2011, p. 418).

2. The majority of elders in the oldest-old age group (age 85+) suffer from memory loss and dementia. This myth is an example of misleading research conclusions and predisposed beliefs of the oldest-old. “Normal aging does not result in significant declines in intelligence, memory, and learning ability. Although not part of normal aging, the likelihood of experiencing dementia does increase with advancing age. It is estimated that as many as 7 million Americans over age 85 have some type of dementia [representing] 9% [of the oldest-old population]” (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2011, pp 241-242). Researchers studying the prevalence of dementia report that the rate is projected to double every 20 years. Whereby in 2030, 65.7 million elders will have some form of dementia, and in 2050, 115.4 million elders will reportedly suffer from some degree of dementia. This study highlights why, albeit a myth of aging at present, it is indeed a great concern for the future (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2011, p. 242). With the acknowledgment of public figures like Ronald Reagan, Glen Campbell, and Sugar Ray Robinson suffering and dying from Alzheimer’s, this type of dementia has garnered tremendous research and media attention, and, in many instances, people believe it is the cause of all dementia. The emphasis is note-worthy however because we do need to understand dementia better and provide prevention, suppressant therapy, and a cure, where possible.

3. Most older adults lack financial resources and live at, or below, the U.S. poverty level. This stereotyping of older adults’ stems from a historical perspective before the federal government-initiated reform in the way of the Older Americans Act of 1965. “In 1959, one in three older adults lived in poverty. That is why the federal government improved Social Security and strengthened the laws protecting private pensions. Medicare and programs for nutrition, housing, and transportation were also developed in the 1960s to help older Americans. Those programs have been very successful in reducing poverty among the elderly” (Wilken, 2002, p. 2).

“Over 4.2 million older adults (8.8%) were below the poverty level in 2015” [and once adjusted] using the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) there are 13.7% below the poverty level” (Administration on Aging, 2016, p. 1). The SPM reflects a more accurate poverty level rate as it accounts for regional variations in living costs, non-cash benefits received such as tax credits, and non-discretionary expenditures including medical out-of-pocket expenses (Administration on Aging, 2016, p. 10). “Older Americans spent 12.9% of their total expenditures on health, as compared with 7.8% among all consumers” (Administration on Aging, 2016, p. 12).

4. All older adults share similar personality traits. This myth is a result of ignorance and a failure to educate professionals and the public on the topic of gerontology. “There is great human variation in how people age – variation dictated by the particularities of each person’s circumstances and by the culture in which the aging person lives. The virtues of the elderly, [courage, simplicity, wisdom, and humor, all define certain traits of character and make each very distinct in personality throughout the aging process from the moment of birth]” (President’s Council on Bioethics, 2005, p. 2). Depending on how well their virtues have been nurtured throughout their adulthood, determines, in part, how they age – either actively or passively. After all, “personality is defined as a unique pattern of innate and learned behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that include how each person responds and interacts with the environment” (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2011, p. 215).

References Administration on Aging. (2016). A profile of older Americans: 2016. Retrieved from https://www.giaging.org/documents/A_Profile_of_Older_Americans__2016.pdfBardach, S. H. & Rowles, G. D. (2012). Geriatric education in the health professions: Are we making progress? The Gerontologist, 52(5), 607–618. doi:10.1093/geront/gns006 Eargle, D. I. (2018). Lesson 1: The changing landscape of aging. [Lecture notes]. St. Joseph’s College of Maine. Hooyman, N. R. & Kiyak, H. A. (2011). Social gerontology: Ninth edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. dba Allyn & Bacon. President’s Council on Bioethics. (2005). The aging self. The New Atlantis. Retrieved from https:/www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/article_detail.asp?id=210&css=print Wilken, C. (2002). Myths and realities of aging. University of Florida. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6587681_Myths_and_Realities_of_Aging