Some Misconceptions Of Aging

Explanation
There is an assumption that depression and detachment (even irritability) is a normal part of aging and that it is to be expected. Because of this - it is often ignored and not treated in older adults. But this is not true - depression can occur in individuals for a variety of reasons and must be treated! Detachment can occur due to social isolation, poverty and accessibility issues and can be addressed so that older people can actively participate in society.

Explanation
There is a common assumption that older people are not sexual beings. Yet, research finds that this is not true. A recent Pew Research Centre (2009) study found that 1/3 of all people under the age of 65 felt that they would become non-sexual as they got older - yet the vast majority of individuals over the age of 65 state that they are sexually active.

Explanation
Think about the shifting of demographics....in 1971, it was 8% of the population...while in 2030 it will be 22%. So that is almost 1 in 4....think about the way this could impact our society - the policies, services, and institutions.

Explanation
Older people are no more rigid than younger people. People's personal characteristics tend to stay fairly stable throughout their lifetimes. So if you are rigid and set-in-your ways --- then you will probably be that way in old age. Age does not change personalities (though some of the illness associated with aging may - such as dementia).

Explanation
There is a vast difference - according to Stats Can, 82% of Canadians aged 65 to 74 years voted...while only 52% of those between 25 to 34 years voted. This drops after age 74 usually because of health issues and accessibility...this means that older people are poltiically involved and active within their communities.

Explanation
This is something I want you to think about - lumping all people together in the 65+ category of "OLD" is problematic...certainly as people age, they do become physically compromised but this does not mean that everyone ends up in a nursing home. It actually is only 5% of those over the age of 65-74....while it rises to 24% for those over the age of 85. Also, just because people are in nursing homes, does not mean that they have disappeared from our communities and are not considered citizens.