As Abraham Lincoln has been credited with saying, “It’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.” We agree! At American House Senior Living Communities, our life enrichment directors ensure there are activities from crafts to games to trips to keep everyone entertained, fun and keep “life in your years.” We want to share 5 aging myths that aren’t true!
“You’re too old to do that” or other aging myths you may have heard need to be busted. We know the adage that you’re only as old as you feel. At American House Senior Living Communities, we know that as you age, you might not be out running a 5K or mountain climbing, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be living a full, fun life, right?
When you’re young, you can’t imagine what it will be like to grow old. You may not have thought about what it would “feel like” to grow older and perhaps have aching bones or just slow down. We know you have a choice of “acting” old or “acting” young. We opt for acting young and know it’s a state of mind!
5 Aging Myths That Aren’t True
If you’ve heard these myths about aging and growing old, we want to bust them and give you alternatives to give you more engaging “life in your years.”
- Just because you’re aging doesn’t mean you need to be lonely. In fact, loneliness leads to health issues and depression. It may not be as easy to get out and “make friends”, but it’s important to stay connected. Attend events at senior centers. Connect with friends and family via technology and “face-time” type apps. If you live in a senior living community like ours, we go all-out planning activities and events to keep our residents, and their loved ones, involved and to give them the opportunity to make new friends. surrounded by friends. It’s a sad fact that as we get older we will inevitably lose our loved ones, friends and family and that’s why it’s so important to form connections and stay in touch with friends and family who are still with you. Isolation and not making new friends lead to further isolation and loneliness, and that can truly age you.
- Sleep just isn’t as important as it once was. I can’t sleep anyway, so why even try? Sleep is important, and you do still need to get a good six to eight hours of restful, restorative and rejuvenating sleep. Even if you don’t feel tired or suffer from insomnia, you still need to try and sleep. When you get a good night’s sleep, you will be more alert and stay healthier. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, talk with your doctor. Also, if you’re not feeling tired, getting up and getting more activity during the day might help you fall asleep when bedtime rolls around. Let’s continue with 5 aging myths that aren’t true.
- There’s no reason to keep learning new things. Let’s definitely bust this myth! When you keep your mind active – whether you’re reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing games or taking classes, you’re keeping your brain strong. Don’t give in to negative cognitive changes and think “an old dog can’t learn new tricks.” Everyone can – and should — keep learning. Have you always wanted to learn a different card game or a craft or learn to speak a foreign language, play piano or write a novel? Why not start today?
- Exercise is for the fit and the young. If you exercise you might get hurt. If you go from complete couch potato to thinking you’re going to run a marathon, you do run the risk of injury. But if you talk with your doctor and take it slow, your heart will thank you for the activity you’re undertaking because you’re making it healthier. The phrase “move it or lose it” is especially true as we age. And balance is a concern for many older adults. A leading cause of injury in older adults are falls and many of those can lead to hospitalization. Start slow. Take a walk. Get up and march in place during commercials when you’re watching television. Stop by one of our communities and partake in our “fit and fab” activities. Call a community near you and ask for the schedule and drop in and try out a class that sounds fun.
- I deserve to eat junk food! When you eat healthy, well-balanced meals you will age more gracefully and healthily. Everyone, no matter his or her age, benefits from meals comprised of fresh fruits, veggies and lean proteins and consuming fewer processed foods. You can certainly indulge in a glass of wine or a beer, a cookie or your favorite candy, but for the most part, you want to be mindful of what you eat.
Busting aging myths and common misconceptions about aging is something we love to do because at American House Senior Living Communities, we know aging happily and being healthy is what keeps us young!
Contact an American House Senior Living Community near you and take a tour.
American House was founded in 1979 to enrich the lives of seniors and their loved ones in an environment that fosters independence, compassion, quality services and meaningful relationships. We provide a wide range of senior living options, including independent living, independent living with assistance, memory care services provided by a third party, respite stays and hospice in Dearborn Heights, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights and Westland.
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