The world population is aging. We are growing older and living longer. It is projected that by 2060, the American population of adults over 65 will double from 46 million to 98 million. At that point, older adults will outnumber those children under age 5. One of every four currently aged 65 today will live past the age of 90.
Medical advancement, better diet, and exercise are attributed to this shift in aging. Researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers are shifting to improving the quality of life as we age. Staying healthy, active, and productive are the goals for adults.
Unfortunately, society’s views of the elderly are not an accurate picture of what it means to be an older adult today. These myths have been based on information that is no longer valid, however past cultural prejudices may still prevail today. Our current society has changed those groups who were once segregated are now an integral part of our society. Here are a few statistics that dispel the myths of yesterday.
Real-life facts of today:
- Life expectancy today is 84.3 for men and 85.6 years for females.
- Older adults do not often live with spouses or family members. Almost half of the women over 75 live alone.
- High school graduates have risen from 28 to 84 percent since 1970 and the largest growing age group is those over age 85.
- There are an estimated 1.75 to 4 million older adults who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender and that number is expected to double in the next 20 years.
- Almost 10 percent of older adults live in or near poverty and more than twice as many women as men live in poverty. Most of the older adults living in poverty are more likely to be racially and ethnically diverse than white adults.
- Grandchildren are living with grandparents and almost 500 thousand grandparents over 65 have sole responsibility for their grandchildren.
- White adults tend to live longer. Although today, the ratio of white adults is higher than other cultures in the US, within the next two decades, the resulting aging population will be more culturally diverse. Latinos are expected to be the largest group for the older population to increase to 22 percent of the total older population by 2030. Older immigrants in the US have increased by 70 percent in the last 20 years from 2.7 million to 4.5 million and is expected to increase as the general population experiences cultural diversity. The population of older immigrants in the U.S. has increased by 70 percent in the last 20 years, from 2.7 million to 4.6 million.
Cognitive and mental health facts:
- For most older adults, age-associated changes in cognition (thinking) are mild and do not significantly interfere with daily functioning.
- Older adults are capable of learning new skills even late in life, though learning may take longer than for younger adults.
- Short-term memory shows noticeable changes with age, but long-term memory declines less with age.
- Some changes in cognition are normal with age, such as slower reaction times and reduced problem-solving abilities. The speed with which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved also slows as we age. However, many older adults outperform their younger counterparts on intelligence tests that draw on accumulated knowledge and experience.
- Wisdom and creativity often continue to the very end of life.
- Personality traits remain relatively stable over time. For example, people who were outgoing during young adulthood are likely to be outgoing in later life.
- Most older adults report good mental health and have fewer mental health problems than other age groups. However, one in four older adults experiences a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or dementia.
- The suicide rate for men over 85 is higher than that of any other age group.
- The number of older adults with substance abuse problems is expected to double to five million by 2030.
- Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia) is not a normal part of aging. Approximately 5 percent of individuals between 71 and 79 and 37 percent of the population above age 90 are affected by dementia.
- Generally, most older adults are satisfied with their lives and optimistic about growing older.
Physical health:
- There are physical changes and health issues that are more common as we age. However, just as all older adults are not the same, their health status also varies. Some are active and healthy, whereas others are frail, with multiple health conditions.
- Approximately 92 percent of older adults have at least one chronic condition, and 77 percent have two or more.
- Four chronic conditions — heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes — cause almost two thirds of all deaths among individuals 65 and older each year.
- People 55 and older account for over a quarter of all Americans diagnosed with HIV, and this number is increasing.
- Approximately 1 in 4 adults between 65-74 have mild to moderate hearing impairment and more than 50 percent over age 75 have hearing impairment that can be isolating and contribute to quicker aging.
- Visual changes among aging adults result in problems such as slower reading speed and difficulty reading small print, especially in dim light, and difficulty driving at night.
- The proportion of older adults needing assistance with everyday activities increases with age. Fewer than one-fifth of older adults between ages 65 and 74 need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing or eating. This increases to 40 percent of men and 53 percent of women over 85 who need such assistance.
- Older ethnic and racial minorities have a higher propensity for obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, and an earlier onset of chronic illness. Some of the factors contributing to this disparity are poverty, segregated communities with fewer health-promoting resources, poor education, unemployment, discrimination, and less access to quality health care.
- Two-thirds of older adults who are not living in long-term care settings report their health to be good, very good, or excellent compared to others their age.
True or False. Which is it?
We tend to group people by age group rather than as individuals, so often inaccurate stereotypes are formed. The following statements reflect either the truth or falsity about older Americans.
- Most older Americans live in nursing homes.
- FALSE – Only about 5 percent of older Americans live in nursing homes at any given time (averaging from 1.1 percent for persons 65-74 years to 3.5 percent for persons 75-84 years and 13.2 percent for persons 85+)
- Older adults stay engaged and productive.
- TRUE – Many older adults continue to work, volunteer and act as caregivers. Regular positive interactions with family and friends and being involved in different social networks can help older adults be healthier. Conversely, loneliness has a negative physical and emotional impact.
- Older adults have little interest in sex.
- FALSE – Although the frequency of sexual activity may decline in older adulthood, many older adults continue to enjoy a physically and emotionally fulfilling sex life. Benefits of sexual activity include better sleep, less stress, a more positive mood, and increased marital satisfaction.
- Individuals can learn new skills even in late life.
- TRUE – Older adults can learn skills in late life, although learning some skills may take longer than in younger adults. The adage, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is a myth.
- There is nothing that can be done to reduce one’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- FALSE – Physical and mental inactivity, smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and depression are all associated with an increased risk for the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Each of these factors can be modified. Keeping mentally and physically active can help preserve cognitive skills, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and maintain overall health.
Satisfaction with an aging life.
Older adults who rate their health as good are twice as satisfied with life as older adults who rate their health as poor. Increase your chances of aging well by taking some of the following steps.
- Even a moderate amount of exercise each day can help one stay active, independent and maintain a positive mood. It can make even the frailest older person stronger and more fit.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and adjust for any changes in your function (e.g., hearing, vision, flexibility, or strength).
- Engage in routine preventive health behaviors (e.g., get immunizations for flu and pneumonia).
- Advocate for yourself and your family in health care settings or bring a knowledgeable family member or friend as your advocate.
- If you feel anxious, depressed, or are using alcohol or drugs to manage your mood, seek assistance. Untreated mental health problems are associated with poor physical health outcomes, including increased disability and illness as well as decreased quality of life.
- Be an interesting person. Live in the present and not rely on your past. Remain aware of new developments in the arts, sciences, politics, and other areas of cultural and social interest. Engage in something that matters to you and that you care passionately about.
Armed with the facts about the myths and realities of aging, individuals, families, and our society are better able to view older adults as resources and provide appropriate support for those in need of assistance.