Myths About the Elderly

Chandler Woenker

The elderly are usually known for their wisdom and having experience. They have seen lots of things and have been on this earth longer than the rest of us. Because they have been here for so long they have experienced many things and seen lots of different situations and they have learned from their mistakes. Most of these are good stereotypes but like most people there are negative stereotypes for them as well. But the stereotypes that make the elderly seem weaker or lesser than any other people are wrong and far from factual.

The first myth is that the most elderly people live in a nursing home and cannot take care of themselves. Although some of the elderly population do inhabit assisted and nursing homes most do not. The truth is that only about one out of every five elderly people live with some sort of assisted living including nursing homes. In most movies, shows and the rest of media, if a group of elderly people are apart of the scene it will most likely take place in a nursing home. Most elderly people can support themselves and can be seen participating in common activities that younger people do such as golfing, fishing, going for walks, dancing, and others. It is true that as you get older your body starts to slowly degrade and get weaker but it doesn’t just happen rapidly and it does not effect every person the same.

The second myth is that elderly people’s day does not consist of more than watching tv, reading the newspaper, and sleeping. This myth is very untrue, just like every other person, elderly people have their own hobbies and interests. There are nearly 6 million elderly people with a year-round job and most of these elderly workers continue to work because they love the work they do. Just because they may be retired and like to spend some of their time relaxing and resting does not mean that is all they do. Elderly people like to go for walks, read, and participate in other similar activities that younger people participate in. Most elderly people prefer to get up early so they usually sleep less than younger people. Many elderly people belong to groups or clubs such as country clubs or a group that gets together to play poker. Over half of the American elderly population is married. Most of these elderly people still enjoy getting out and going dancing or going out for dinner with friends. Contrary to this myth most elderly people prefer a more active lifestyle with a little relaxation mixed in as well.

Myth three is that elderly people that continue to work in their old age, are less productive and more of a burden on the company. This is wrong in fact, many elderly people who continue to work in their late years do it because they love and care about their job. Sometimes people retire and later realize that they miss the work they did so they decide to come back with a more limited role. The elderly must be pretty dedicated to their work if they have managed to stay employed for that long. Most of the elderly people you find working, are employed at jobs that do not require as much physical strength.

The fourth myth is that the elderly are lonely and depressed and do not have anything interesting or worthwhile going in their life. About 60% of all elderly people in the America are still married. Many elderly people have fun and enjoyable activities and events going on in their lives. Some elderly people work, own their own business, and participate in other activities. Many elderly people have lots of family members to keep them company and participate in family get togethers. Elderly people find similar things appealing or fun that younger people find entertaining as well. About 75% of all elderly people in the United States live in a household with a computer.

Although elderly people may not be able to do everything as well as a younger person, just like every other human being in this world, they are very special and an important part of everyone else’s life. The elderly are not just people waiting for their time to be up, they are human beings just like everyone else and they have needs and wants that they want taken care of. They want to live their own lives and do their own thing just because they are elderly, does not mean they have to fit the mold that society and the media has set them in.