The Aging Population: Myths and Stereotypes Section 2, Unit 4

Vocabulary Aging- a natural, progressive process beginning at birth Stereotype- a fixed idea that categories of people are all exactly alike Myth- an idea commonly held as true, but which is factually incorrect

Old Age: Myths “Everyone is old at age 65.” “Anyone with wrinkles or gray hair is old.” FACT! Being “old” is more closely related to how one feels and acts. Health Social Life

Work and Retirement: Myths Older people gradually lose interest in work. Older people take more sick days. Retired people are still dissatisfied because they are bored.

Work and Retirement: FACTS! Less Absenteeism Being absent from work Less On-Job Accidents Same Efficiency as younger workers Same Job Satisfaction Willing to learn new skills

Physical Attributes: Myths Physical changes in later years will cause an older person to be admitted to an institution or to be homebound.

Physical Attributes: FACTS! Changes: Gray Hair Need for Glasses, Hearing Aids, etc. Chronic Ailments 95% remain in their own homes, 81% of those are still mobile.

Mental Processes: Myth Elderly people are senile and depressed because of their age.

Mental Processes: FACT! Depression and life-satisfaction are more closely linked with external factors (ex: the economy) so elderly people have the same chances of being depressed as younger people.

Financial Security: Myth Finances of most elderly people is lean.

Financial Security: FACTS! Income is fixed, so it is important to stick to a budget. Less financial responsibilities