How often have we been told, "When you start getting older, you're not going to be able to (just fill in the blank)?" Most of our lives we have been mislead by what we 'expect' to happen as we age. See if these myths are what you have heard most of your life... and then let's debunk them
Do you remember your grandparents and how they seemed 'old'? Recently, I have done a great deal of reflecting about how we perceive others as they age. Over the years, I think we thought of age as a number. People reached a certain age, and all of a sudden they were thought of differently. I guess one of the things that perpetuates that thought process is the magical number 65! Once you hit 65, and you retire, life takes on a different meaning, but only if you let it)
Myth #1 - People Need To Retire By Age 65!
What happens at 65, anyway? Well, actually nothing happens, and it's important to not let anything happen. If you don't want to retire, don't. Years ago, some companies forced people to retire at 65, but nowadays that really isn't the case. In fact, our society is filled with people over the age of 65 still working. And, in many case they are still working because they need to in order to make ends meet. Workplace managers report that the older employees often have a much better work ethic than the younger generation, and are much easier to manage.
Truthfully, not every older employee is working because of the money, either. Sometimes, folks just like having a place to go for some social interaction. In Florida, we have a grocery chain that hires many older individuals. They train well, they are very dependable, very respectful, and older workers usually have a really good attitude. Why wouldn't a company want to have that kind of employee?
The bottom line is, regardless of the reason, if an older individual wants to work and is capable of doing so, the #65 should not play a part in the decision making of whether someone should or should not stop working.
Myth #2 - Older Folks Shouldn't Live Alone
Certainly there may be some reasons for not living alone (usually health related), but for many folks who have spent their entire life taking care of others, living alone can be a very welcomed experience. The last thing any of us want is to become a burden to others. And, if the older individual wants to, and can afford to, living alone can be one of the best experiences of their life. Living alone can have many advantages including eating when you want, going to bed when you want, having visitors when you want. AND most importantly, it allows total control of the REMOTE!
Myth #3 - People Become Less Productive As They Age
Pretty sure you don't want to repeat that too loudly as seniors are working more, taking care of grandchildren more, and volunteering more.
Truth: Retirement doesn’t mean elderly people just want to sit around all day! While at a certain age and depending on health concerns, some elderly people may need to rest more throughout the day; after all, if given the opportunity most people would also probably want to rest more, they just don't have that luxury.
Many people of retirement age enjoy active lives that may include being part of a health club or YMCA. With so many working parents, many grandparents are called upon help babysit their grandchildren. Another favorite activity for the older population is being able to give back to the community through volunteering. A report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 24% of senior citizens volunteer throughout their retirement years.
Our Seniors really shouldn't be thought of less productive, in fact it may be one of the most productive times of their life...
Myth #4 - “Old People Are Crabby or Depressed.”
Depression is a real, diagnosable disease, not a feeling that can be used as a blanket statement. And, there is no question that depression is a real issue for many during this difficult 'COVID-19' time. Overall, there are more reports of depression currently, but that is mostly due the current situation, and it is truly affecting every age group (including the kids)!
There is no evidence that shows that older people are crabbier – people that are generally “crabby” in their younger years may continue that way. And, people that choose to be happy, usually continue that mindset into their golden years.
When you think of your younger years, and all the stress around having enough money, raising a family, assisting elderly parents, you might be surprised to learn that the middle aged, struggling adults often suffer much more stress than other age groups. And that can certainly make them 'crabby', or lead to depression.
Reaching retirement age, with fewer money problems, kids living on their own, and opportunities to do the things that have been put off for years, actually can be some of the most fulfilling years of people's lives. And, those years don't usually show up until retirement years.
Myth #5 - “Old People Have ‘Old Ways’ Of Thinking.”
Every individual – young and old – has his or her own unique thoughts and feelings about society. It’s an unfair blanket statement to assume that every person over (or under!) the age of 65 has the same beliefs. Taking some time to speak with our older friends about their thoughts about the world – and their own past experiences. It will be rewarding for both parties.
As our world continues to evolve, it can be hard to keep up with all the changes that are taking place. Older or not, those changes can be hard for all of us. Just keeping up with the technology can be a daunting experience for many of us. But given the opportunity, and having somebody to help, there is no reason why 'old people' need the be left out of the changes in our society. Don't assume they aren't interested in new things; just spend time with them, and give them an opportunity to learn things that they previously may have misunderstood.
A very good friend of mine, loves her iPad and is best of friends with 'Siri'! And my friend is 94. It took some time, but she was willing to learn and it has opened an entirely new experience for her that is very rewarding. The more she learned, the more she wanted to learn. Helping her learn about technology was also a very rewarding experience for me, as well.
In Conclusion
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