Many people fear getting older because of various false beliefs related to the aging process. Misconceptions concern cognitive and physical health along with social practices. However, time and again, researchers have shown aging doesn’t have to mean diminished quality of life.
1. Cognitive Decline Is Inevitable
Statistics indicate only 10 percent of adults lose cognitive abilities to the degree that a dementia diagnosis is warranted. Ensuring optimal mental health requires adopting certain lifestyle habits. Seniors must eat a healthy diet rich in produce while avoiding meats and other foods containing high levels of fat and sugar. Routinely exercising the mind and body keeps neurons healthy and nutrient-rich blood flowing to the brain.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care. Fair Oaks Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
2. Physical Health Definitely Worsens
Too often, people see older adults as physically feeble or living with any number of debilitating medical conditions. However, the majority of seniors enjoy physically healthy lifestyles thanks to eating foods that provide sufficient nutrition and engaging in routine exercise, which ensures the ability to maintain balance, flexibility, and strength.
3. Seniors Are Unable to Make Important Life Decisions
An older individual’s opinion may not be deemed reliable or necessary because of false beliefs about cognitive decline in aging adults. There’s no scientific basis for this misconception. Seniors are commonly fully capable of making decisions pertaining to financial, medical, and other important life issues. Older folks are able to formulate conclusions based on years of education, experience, and skill.
4. Older Adults Lack Knowledge of Current Events
Aging adults read newspapers and news magazines, watch TV, and listen to the radio. Many are tech-savvy and regularly engage in Internet activity. Thus, the majority of seniors are aware of current local, state, national, and international events. More older adults are remaining in the workforce, and others are returning to educational institutions to obtain degrees or further their knowledge in specific subject areas.
5. Aging Adults Don’t Need Social Relationships
Human beings, by nature, are social creatures. The need for social connections doesn’t decrease with age. Having relationships with friends, family members, and community members remains vital for a senior’s mental, emotional, and physical health.
A home caregiver can provide your loved one with companionship as well as transportation to social events. When considering homecare services, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
6. Seniors Don’t Engage in Intimacy
The 2017 University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found intimate and sexual relationships were more important to older adults than was formerly believed. The study involved adults ranging in age from 50 to 80. The results revealed 65 percent of study participants remained interested in having sexual relationships, and 76 percent believed sex was a natural and vital component of a romantic relationship, regardless of age.
7. Older Adults Don’t Contribute to Society
Millions of seniors contribute to society in any number of ways. Many remain gainfully employed and are more than willing to share their knowledge and talents with others. Many seniors enjoy performing volunteer work in their places of worship and their communities. Seniors may act as caregivers for young children or tutors for students.
Aging has its benefits, but it can make daily activities challenging for some seniors. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing a serious illness and require more extensive 24-hour care. Fair Oaks seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Callone of our friendly Care Managers today at (916) 485-4663.