There are several stereotypes associated with elderly people, and many of these generalizations are an example of society’s bias against aging. Here are some myths about the aging process that simply aren’t true.
Seniors Will Definitely Develop Dementia
Many seniors experience moments of forgetfulness, which doesn’t necessarily mean they have dementia. Age-associated memory impairment affects about 40 percent of people over the age of 65, and it’s different from memory loss caused by an underlying medical condition. Seniors who are aging normally may not be able to recall the names of acquaintances or where they last saw their cell phones. However, seniors with dementia may forget the names of their relatives or what they ate for lunch.
Seniors Shouldn’t Exercise
Some seniors may not have the mobility necessary for an aerobics class. However, it’s incorrect to assume they’re too frail to exercise. By exercising regularly, seniors can keep their bones strong, muscles limber, and hearts healthy. Mobile seniors should consider joining group exercise classes at their local gyms. Exercise is equally important for seniors with limited mobility, and they can do water aerobics, chair aerobics, or work with qualified personal trainers.
A professional caregiver can help your loved one exercise safely. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading senior care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Seniors Are Lonely
While social isolation can be a problem for some seniors, loneliness isn’t an inevitability. Many people are active in their senior years and participate in everything from church bake sales to monthly book clubs. Seniors living in retirement communities have a wide variety of social opportunities, as these communities are designed to promote interaction. Even seniors who live alone have several opportunities to communicate with friends and family members. Thanks to technological advancements, seniors can connect with their loved ones via email, Skype, and social media.
For families living in Carmichael, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Seniors Can’t Learn New Skills
People over the age of 65 may not learn new languages or how to play instruments as quickly as their younger counterparts, but this doesn’t mean they’re incapable of learning. Retirement is a great time for picking up new hobbies and skills. Many seniors take classes at local community colleges, where they can learn sewing, Spanish, and other new skills. Some people even find their true callings in their later years. For example, Grandma Moses, the famous painter, didn’t have her first art show until the age of 80.
Seniors Can’t Adapt
Some people think of seniors as being inflexible or rigid. While some seniors do have strong beliefs, this doesn’t mean they can’t adapt. Older adults have spent decades adapting to changing cultures and new technologies. Seniors who move into retirement communities need to adapt to entirely new living situations, making them much more adaptable than their younger counterparts.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to retirement communities or assisted living facilities. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. Carmichael families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Call us at (916) 485-4663 today to talk to one of our compassionate Care Managers about our high-quality home care services.