Sometimes there’s an unfair perception of older people in general. Just because a person is approaching age 60, 65 or even 70 doesn’t mean they are close to being required to live in an assisted facility. Plenty of older people live long and healthy lives independently on their own. Of course, they may require a wheelchair ramp, mobility scooter or other assistive devices at some point, but that’s just a normal part of aging. Regardless of if an elderly person is living at home, a retirement community or nursing home, here are some debunked myths about aging.
Elderly People Can’t Learn Anything New
This myth has been around for a long time and you may refer to it as “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Seniors still have the capability of learning new things as they get older, and it’s proven by the number of elderly people using the internet, being active on social media, shopping online and more. These activities weren’t available to them growing up and they may have just started participating in recent years. So while some older people may choose not to learn something new, it doesn’t mean they are incapable of doing so.
People Get More Stubborn And Grumpy As They Age
There could be very good reasons for stubbornness and grumpiness. Most of the time these characteristics depend on the person’s health, mobility, stress and other factors. According to research conducted by Stony Brook University, people generally get happier after they turn 50 due to reduced stress, more positive feelings and fewer worries. If a senior living at home becomes grumpy or stubborn suddenly, consider asking them some questions to discover the reason. They may be in physical pain, not be able to move around as much as they want or anything else causing frustration. Something as simple as installing a porch lift or a wheelchair ramp at their home may increase their happiness level significantly.
Health And Physical Abilities Decline Quickly With Aging
Plenty of older people are healthier than they have ever been. Physical changes will happen over time, but those changes can’t be solely attributed to age. People who don’t get enough exercise, are constantly stressed, have poor eating and drinking habits and don’t socialize enough will often have poorer health and physical abilities as they age. On the other hand, people who do the opposite may feel better than they ever have at age 65 and beyond.
Next Day Access has talked to plenty of seniors in great health who want to live their life to the fullest. Sometimes aches and pains will develop and create limited mobility, which can be frustrating for people who have lived independently their entire lives. We offer mobility and assistive devices to help seniors continue living their lives normally. If you can improve your quality of life by having a mobility scooter, wheelchair ramp, porch lift or any other type of assistive product, contact us today and we would be happy to set you up.
