Age Is But a Number

Living Fully Beyond Your Years

Photo by Jacek Dudzinski on Unsplash

In my quest to age well, I plan to follow the tips and ignore many myths about aging—no matter what the calendar says.

My birth certificate says I was born in 1938, which makes me 85 years old, going on 86. However, I’ve noticed that when I talk about my age, the number that pops out of my mouth or into my head—despite knowing better—is 75.

It could be a Freudian slip—the unintentional voicing of subconscious feelings, memory loss, or something else. However, I decided to think it’s the age I feel, and I’m proceeding as if it were.

I love C.K. Steefel’s comment in the My Fancy Mom article. She says, “And mom is still gorgeous. 87 is the new 67.” For me, that means 85 is the new 65—better yet!!

Tips To Increase The Chances of Aging

The American Psychological Association says most people can increase their chances of aging by taking steps we’ve all read about. They remain good reminders that I intend to follow.

Even moderate daily exercise can help someone stay active, independent, and positive. Nurturing a healthy lifestyle and adjusting for hearing, vision, flexibility, and strength changes are important, as is taking preventive health measures.

Advocate for yourself and your family in health care settings, or bring someone to support you. Stay informed about new developments in the arts, sciences, politics, and other social interest areas. Engage in something that matters to you and that you care passionately about.

Then, there is misinformation or fake news.

The article Debunking the Most Common Myths on Aging provides a fairly generic list.

There may be no end to the aging myths spread online and by word of mouth. However, by starting with these common aging myths, you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure you’re getting trustworthy information.

I intend to ignore several myths about older adults because they just aren’t true for me.

Myths I Disagree With

Older Adults Need Less Sleep.
Truth: Older adults need the same amount of sleep as everyone else–between 7 and 9 hours each night.
I sleep better than ever now. I have less to worry about.

We Stop Learning New Things in Old Age
Truth: Staying mentally active helps keep the mind flexible, and mastering new skills helps one retain and improve cognitive abilities.
I learn new things daily. I recently learned about social media and the word “demure.” Today, I learned how to enlarge font size.

Seniors Should Avoid Exercise to Prevent Injury
Truth: Inactivity often plays a more prominent role in a senior’s mobility loss than exercise.
Pickleball didn’t work out, but I still walked and climbed stairs daily. I felt too many aches and pains, so I added 15 minutes of stretching. What a difference!

Alzheimer's Runs in the Family
Truth: Many factors impact the possibility of contracting the disease. Genetics, exercise, diet, and pollution exposure play a role.
We thought hearing loss and a nine-day hospital stay for emergency surgery might have contributed, as well.

Older People Are Lonely
Truth: Having a social network is achievable for anyone.
I like being alone at times.

Elderly Adults Have No Interest in Romance or Intimacy
Truth: Humans crave connection, which doesn’t change as we age.
I really miss the hugs and kisses.

Gaining Weight is Inevitable As You Get Older
Truth: Regardless of age, a lifestyle that includes healthy eating habits and regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and muscle mass.
I weigh 10 pounds less than I did ten years ago.

So, in my quest to age well, I plan to continue following the tips and ignoring many myths about aging - they just aren’t true - at least for me.

P. S. I’d love to have you share the Aging Well Newsletter with others. I want to bring the lessons I’ve learned through my years of life and caregiving to as many people as possible. More than anything, I want to continue to expand our community of readers.

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If you want to contribute to my work, consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association. This link takes you to their website. The choice is yours.