7 Most Common Myths about Getting Older

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Top Myths Associated with Getting Older in Edmonton, AB

Aging is one of those things everyone will do in life. Despite many generations of watching people age, younger adults still hold many misconceptions about what it means to get older. Today’s seniors are aging better than any generation before, and it’s time to let go of these outdated beliefs.

1. Everyone Loses Their Mental Abilities Eventually

People tend to joke about “senior moments.” People’s ability to process and remember information does reduce slightly over time, but that doesn’t mean all of their mental abilities go away. Seniors can use cognitive exercises to strengthen their brains while having fun with their caregivers.

Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of elderly home care. Edmonton families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ 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.

2. Older Adults Need Less Socialization

There’s a great deal of focus on the needs of younger people, and it’s easy to assume seniors no longer need a lot of social contact, since they’ve already been married, raised their kids, and completed careers. However, seniors still need just as much socialization as they did in the past. Seniors might need help getting to local dances or dinner events, but they benefit from being around other people on a regular basis.

A home caregiver can provide your loved one with companionship as well as transportation to social events. For families living in Edmonton, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

3. Crankiness & Depression Are Normal

Cranky seniors are often used as comic relief in movies and television shows. While it might be funny to watch a senior say things that contravene social norms, there’s nothing humorous about it when it happens in real life. A senior who is angry, sad, or even violent is likely living with unmet needs. Helping seniors meet those needs tends to restore their pleasant attitudes.

4. Seniors Can’t Learn New Things

There’s a tiny bit of truth to the notion that it’s sometimes difficult for seniors to do things in new ways, but that’s true for people of all ages. Despite popular belief, seniors can use technology and learn many other new skills. Seniors may need assistance working through a learning curve, but they’re just as capable of growing mentally as anyone else.

5. Aging Adults Need a Group Living Environment

Despite the wealth of care options available, many people assume everyone is eventually destined to move to a group home for care. This is usually because people follow what other generations did before them. Opening up their minds to the idea that older adults can live in their own homes for many years with assistance provides a wealth of benefits for seniors’ independence.

6. Seniors Have to Give Up Their Hobbies

The stereotype of a senior quietly watching the world go by from a rocking chair is definitely outdated. Older adults today benefit from being able to write novels using dictation software when their hands hurt. Or they may enjoy getting out to do some gardening using raised beds that work better for their mobility issues. There’s almost always a way for seniors to continue to enjoy their favorite activities.

7. One Health Problem Always Leads to Another

People also tend to think it’s normal for health to decrease in the senior years, and they’ll assume seniors are bound to be rehospitalized or develop multiple health conditions. It’s always good to take a new health condition as a warning sign it might be necessary to make some lifestyle changes, but no senior has to experience more problems when receiving the right assistance with boosting his or her health.

Aging has its benefits, but it can make daily activities challenging for some older adults. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. 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. Call us at (780) 490-7337 to create a customized in-home care plan.

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