It’s not uncommon for individuals to be inculcated with myths and misinformation about aging, even from an early age. It’s no wonder, then, that older adults are often prejudged or misjudged without any understanding of what their actual abilities or lived experiences are. And it’s not just outsiders or strangers who have these misconceptions. Often we ourselves assume that health problems, or cognitive missteps (let alone actual physical missteps) are just a “natural” part of aging and nothing can be done. These internalized “half-truths” and outright misinformation can give us a negative sense of ourselves and our opportunities as we get older, and can literally shorten the length of our lives. 

Where did these myths about aging originate? Even in earlier times, many people lived until their later years (though infant mortality often meant drastically shorter lives for some) so it’s not that living into older age is exactly a new phenomenon. Some trace the origins of aging myths to the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, who wrote, “About the age of fifty, the elasticity of the mental processes upon which treatment depends is, as a rule, lacking. Old people are no longer educable.” Of course, this ignores the fact that some of Freud’s most important works were written when he was in his 50s and 60s. What’s also not true is that all people in a certain age range- let’s say those categorized as “Baby Boomers” (1946-64)- are cranky, gloomy, or greedy. Generational categories have no scientific basis and older adults can be as unique and individualistic as members of any other generation- there is no stereotypical “old person.” Ask Iris Apfel or Mick Jagger.

But if we sweep aside some of the internalized and negative myths about aging, we can set more reasonable and realistic parameters about what we can expect as we get older and embrace opportunities that may await us. First, for example, while it’s not at all inevitable that you will experience memory loss or rapid physical decline, that doesn’t mean if you’re feeling okay you can skip the yearly physicals or forget about healthy lifestyle behaviors such as a good diet, physical exercise or sunscreen. In fact, it’s a myth that changing your habits later in life doesn’t help or can’t produce better health outcomes. As every agebuzz reader should know, becoming more physically active, improving your diet, and engaging more in social activity are not only achievable in your later years but essential for extending your health span as long as possible. So don’t believe an old dog can’t learn new tricks.

In fact, these days, actively defying the myths and stereotypes about aging seems to be the mantra of many as they get older. In a recent article in The Guardian, writer Rhik Samadder describes “a growing rebellion in our older ranks.” Recognizing the fallacy of lumping all older adults together or stereotyping their behaviors, he writes, “It makes no sense to imagine all old people pass some threshold where all they care about is Antiques Roadshow and birdwatching.” As he concludes, if older adults are living “out loud” and proud, and no longer abiding by out-of-date misconceptions of how they’re supposed to act, “that’s a fantastic thing.”

But throwing aside the myths and untruths also requires that you have a realistic and honest assessment of what you can expect as you get older- sweeping aside the misconceptions and embracing the realities. For that, we’d once again encourage you to explore the recent book by Dr. Roseanne Leipzig, Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide To The Second Half Of Life. In this valuable book, Dr. Leipzig works to do away with the myths and half-truths while guiding you to understand realistically what you can expect- and how you can adapt and alter your expectations so that your life is as rewarding and fulfilling as possible. Among her suggestions? Redefine what it means to be “independent” (and accept help when needed) and make sure you advocate for yourself- and allow others to advocate on your behalf. So, for example, if you’re having memory lapses don’t let anyone tell you “that’s just aging,” because that’s a myth- one we all need to push back on in order to ensure older adults continue to live full and active lives. For more of her suggestions, read this new piece she penned for Maria Shriver media.