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Vital Aging: Myths and Facts
by Emily Higgins
Myth: Older adults can't learn new technology.
Fact: Most adults 65 years of age and older are completely competent and learned in their workplace technologies.
Myth: There's no such thing as agism.
Fact: 82% of older adults report experiencing agism, both in the workplace and in social encounters.
Myth: Aging and longevity are predetermined.
Fact: The World Health Organization estimates that 75% of the aging process is determined by interaction with the physical and social world.
Myth: You should slow down and simplify when talking to older adults.
Fact: Patronizing language and harmful stereotypes can lead older adults undervalue their own potential. Studies have shown that adults with normal memory capacities experience memory decline in response to being told that they have poor memory.
Myth: All older adults live in nursing homes.
Fact: Only 3.6% of people over 65 years old are in nursing homes.
For more on aging, check out the following resources:
Pollen Midwest: 50 Over 50 list (featuring Adventures participant Susan Boecher and instructor Barbara Wiener)
National Institute on Aging: 10 Myths on Aging
CBS News: Senior influencers, or "granfluencers," are smashing stereotypes and making big bucks as social media sensations
AARP: Older Americans’ Technology Usage Keeps Climbing
World Health Organization: Misconceptions on ageing and health
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