by Growing Needs | Oct 9, 2023 | Lifestyle & Wellness, Wellness
We often hear about it among society that ageing isn’t always graceful. But that doesn’t mean the myths and stereotypes about older people are true. In fact, ageing stereotypes are often completely misinformed. Ageing may be inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you should be convinced by misinformation that hampers how you enjoy these golden years. Below are some of the common misconceptions and myths of ageing.
Myth #1: Seniors Need Less Sleep as They Age
Based on your health condition and external factors, seniors may not get as much sleep as they grow older, but that doesn’t mean it’s for your body. Other factors like health conditions, medications and joint pain can all contribute to insomnia, and if you’re functioning through the day on subpar sleep, you may not even realize you’re short changing yourself. As a senior, you need about the same amount of sleep you did in your younger adult years — around seven to nine hours each night. Get less, and you’re increasing your chances of falls, trouble with your memory, and mood or mental health disorders, including irritability and depression.
How To Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Find out more about healthy sleep practices and how to make your bedroom a conducive sleeping environment here.
Myth #2: As you age, your ability to learn often stops.
There is a common misconception that the older one gets, their cognitive ability decreases. However various studies constantly prove that to be false. According to Harvard Medical School, while learning patterns may change and speed of learning may diminish, your basic capacity to learn remains.
Active Brain Simulation
To keep your brain active, seniors need regular involvement in tasks that challenge the way they think and require regular engagement, such as learning a new skill. Read more on the latest activities seniors can participate in here. Continually learning new things can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Furthermore, it may also help you cope better with age-related brain changes and reduce the severity of brain diseases or injuries. It is proven that adults who report a higher sense of cognitive functioning, health and overall well-being engage in more social activities.
Myth #3 My genes predetermine my health
Its common to hear people assuming that our physical body and health condition is predetermined by our genes. We also fear that our health is a mirror of our parents however how we age also comes down to lifestyle choices. Eating right, getting plenty of sleep, not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and getting regular exercise all play a bigger role in your overall health and longevity than genetics.
As Singapore prepares for an ageing population, more public places such as museums, natural parks,and restaurants are incorporating activities that are elderly-friendly. These initiatives, including wheelchair ramps and even audio guides for the visually impaired, are helping curious seniors explore Singapore beyond just trips to the supermarket or hospital check ups! Find out here about Singapore’s current and famous spots that you or your loved ones can enjoy!
Though this article barely scratches the surface of the misconceptions when discussing topics surrounding ageing, we hope it highlights the mental and physical aspects that seniors should take note of.
Growing Needs grew out of our own encounters with caring for our aging parents and reflecting on the Growing Needs that we ourselves would face as we advance in years. We hope to build a community that will learn, share and contribute towards caring for the growing needs of our loved ones.
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