Breaking Down The Stereotypes Of Old Age

There are many stereotypes about seniors out there: “You’re too old to drive.” “You’re always super grumpy.” “You’re skilled at making a very convincing Santa Claus with minimal-to-no-effort.” (Actually, that one’s pretty true.) But honestly, most of these stereotypes about seniors don’t have any substance to them. And the real truth about older age is that it’s something to be celebrated and affirmed as a significant, productive part of life.

 

So what is the real truth about life beyond 65? Let’s look at four different stereotypes and myths about aging and find out if they are true.

 

Stereotype: THE ELDERLY ARE UNPRODUCTIVE.

Reality: SENIORS RUN INTO OLD AGE LIKE EVERY OTHER ATHLETE—26.2 MILES AT A TIME.

 

Aging into your sixties and beyond is actually a time where you can hold onto or even increase your fitness. So many people are now getting active later in life and staying active later in life.

Interesting fact about 65+ runners, since 2015 the number of Running USA participants from the 65 and older age group grew from 2.6% to 9%!!

 

The good news is, even if you aren’t a marathon runner, you can still enjoy the benefits of exercise in advanced age. Any vigorous exercise may reduce the decline in aerobic capacity (the ability of the lungs and heart to deliver oxygen to muscles) by as much as 50 percent!

Stereotype: YOU’RE LESS CREATIVE THE OLDER YOU GET.

Reality: CREATIVITY HAS NO EXPIRATION DATE.

 

Age is no barrier to creativity. But you probably already knew that. Coming from the famed generation known for super long electric guitar solos and psychedelic art, seniors are no strangers to creative expression. Norman Mailer, famous writer, was still producing his craft when he had no teeth left and was walking with two canes. Marilee Shapiro (artist) was still posing for photos next to her new sculptures at age 101.  According to The National Institute on Aging, seniors who participate in the arts experience improved memory, self-esteem, and cognitive functions. (So keep those paint brushes wet.)

Stereotype: SENIOR ADULTS HAVE NO SENSE OF STYLE.

Reality: YOU MASTERED SEVENTIES FASHION FOR A WHOLE DECADE—YOU WERE HIPSTER WAY BEFORE IT WAS HIPSTER.

 

Senior adults and retirees have been around the block a few times. Which means they know how to shake a leg, how to cut a rug, and more importantly, how to dress to the nines. And this extremely fine-tuned sense of style is no fluke—this group’s been honing it for decades. Which leads to another truth about seniors and style: most are well-behaved enough to not mock younger people for not knowing as much as they do about the stylish past. Keep on rocking your style, because nobody knows what looks best on you better than you.

Stereotype: RETIREMENT HOMES ARE BORING FUDDY DUDDY.

Reality: SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES ARE A GREAT OPTION FOR RETIREMENT LIVING

 

Gone are the days of boring afternoons spent watching reruns of Jeopardy. At Summit Vista, you can stay as entertained and busy as you’d like with exclusive access to top-notch amenities like a 62,000-square-foot clubhouse, luxurious pool, pub-style takeout, weekly social clubs, salon, creative arts studio, on-campus healthcare services, and the list goes on and on.

 

So there you have it. More proof that we don’t have to believe everything we hear. (And a little more encouragement that we can believe everything we see.)

 

Live your best retired life at Summit Vista. Enjoy delicious and nutritious meals in multiple dining venues, work up a sweat in our fitness center, engage in life-changing wellness programs, and more. Contact our retirement counselors online or call 801-758-3138 to learn how you can live life to the fullest in our award winning senior living community.