While aging can’t be avoided, many older adults absolutely do remain involved and productive well into their golden years. Yet there are some lingering misconceptions about getting older that may prevent some seniors from realizing what’s possible or achievable. Below, some of the more common misconceptions about aging are discussed.
Brainpower Diminishes with Age
Some degree of cognitive decline does usually occur with age. However, there are ways for older adults to increase or maintain short-term memory, abstract reasoning, and other important cognitive functions. Doing so can also minimize the risk of developing conditions that are more common in older adults, such as dementia. To combat age-related changes in the brain, Mayo Clinic recommends:
- Getting regular physical exercise
- Increasing efforts to socialize
- Eating nutrient-rich foods
- Managing chronic conditions
- Getting sufficient sleep
- Doing brain-focused exercises that boost mental clarity and memory
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s 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 stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
It’s Difficult to Learn New Things Later in Life
There’s no age limit on learning. It’s entirely possible for older adults to gain new skills, discover new hobbies, and continue to learn about things that interest them. Taking such steps also keeps the brain more active and stimulated.
Aging Means Decreased Happiness
According to the National Institute on Aging, depression isn’t a normal part of getting older. In fact, there’s research suggesting seniors are happiest when they’re retired and living life on their own terms. Getting older can also give seniors additional reasons to be happy and content by allowing more time for hobbies and enjoying the other good things in life without feeling rushed.
Independence Is Lost with Age
Survey results show most seniors today prefer to age in place and remain independent for as long as possible. Fortunately, there are many ways for older adults to achieve this goal even with age-related limitations. Some of the options include:
- Modifying the home to increase safety
- Using senior transportation services
- Having family members help with more demanding tasks
- Exploring in-home care options
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Montgomery seniors can depend on.
Seniors Have Multiple Health-Related Issues
Some older adults do develop one or more chronic conditions or other health-related issues later in life, but this isn’t inevitable. With the right approach to intervention and prevention, aging adults can remain healthy. Eating better, getting regular exercise, staying within a healthy weight range, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption are some of the many ways seniors can keep serious health issues at bay or minimize their severity.
Older Adults Shy Away from Newer Technologies
Seniors are one of the fastest-growing age groups on Facebook and other popular social media platforms. The over-65 group also includes many internet, mobile app, and portable device users. Discovering and benefiting from newer innovations and technologies isn’t just for the younger generations.
Aging Adults Aren’t Interested in Close Relationships
Humans are naturally social beings, and this instinct doesn’t diminish with age. Although life circumstances, such as the loss of a spouse or children moving away, can limit options in some cases, there are numerous benefits seniors can enjoy by finding new ways to maintain social connections. This is one reason to consider in-home care if you can’t be as actively involved in your loved one’s life as you would like to be.
Aging has its benefits, but it can make daily activities challenging for some seniors. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Montgomery, AL, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Whether your parent needs hourly or live-in care, give us a call at (334) 593-3988 today.