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Age Is Just A Number

By Gwen Nyhus Stewart

Marilyn Ferguson wrote, “Of all the self-fulfilling prophecies in our culture, the assumption that aging means decline and poor health is probably the deadliest.” What Ferguson is describing are the attitudes consistent with Western society where so much of what we do and believe is determined by the prevailing belief systems. Attitudes about ageing have been driven by media stereotyping and political and social leaders with questions related to the potential problems of an ageing population rather than the tremendous potential available for people during life’s third stage. Ageism is the last bastion of discrimination.

Retirement is a relatively new phenomenon and was implemented legislatively to assist businesses needing justification for disposing of older workers to make room for younger ones. As retirement became part of the political and social agenda, older persons were seen to be in need of services and care and were catered to as programs were developed to feed, house, transport, and entertain them, but few services to give their lives significance or meaning. As older people became more sedentary, health care costs began to rise along with higher demands for government sponsored care and support.

The term retirement and other stereotypical terms may actually set the stage as contributing factors to the health problems that plague the world’s ageing populations. Research studies have shown that the immune system erodes and self-fulfilling prophecies of aging take their toll when people lose significance and meaning in their lives. Hippocrates is said to have theorized that, “Any part of the body that is not used tends to atrophy – even the mind.” Dr. Roger Landry is quoted as saying, “Successful ageing is not about being safe, preparing for death, or avoiding all risk. Successful ageing is about living as vital a life as possible – at the highest level of functioning.” Dr Walter Bortz says, “Much of what we think about ageing is not ageing, but disuse.” In other words, the term ‘retirement’ and the resulting services and programs may themselves contribute to the problems of ageing.

Ageing is a global phenomenon, but not a global problem. In Eastern societies, age is the ‘crowning culmination of life;’ called ‘the golden years’ and is looked upon with honour, respect, and even awe.

Attitudes about Ageing

What is your attitude to the term ‘old person?’ On a piece of paper, write down the first five words that come into your head when you think, ‘old person.’ Now, write down five positive words about ‘old person.’ How do they compare with the ones you’ve read? How have they changed over the years? Social psychology defines attitude as: a predisposition to classify objects and events and to react to them with some degree of evaluative consistency. Attitudes are thought to consist of three parts: 1) Evaluation – concerns how favourably or unfavourably we are disposed toward things, 2) Beliefs – are what we think about the facts pertaining to a person, event, or object, and 3) Actions – what we believe are appropriate based on (1) or (2).

Myths about Ageing

1. Chronological age determines health and age brings illness and disease. This myth is not true as most people can continue doing what they have always done. Only 5-7% of the elderly live in long-term facilities, and less than 10% in what they consider poor health.

2. Getting old is associated with loss of cognitive capacity. Little in the way of significant differences has been found in the bodily and intellectual functioning of 21-years-olds as compared to 71-year-olds. Older adults have some cognitive functions that are more advanced than younger adults. Cognitive functions are mental processes, such as memory abilities, reasoning, thinking, problem solving, and understanding.

3. Older workers have less physical strength and endurance. Physical strength and endurance is very specific to individuals; some older workers may be more physically able than their younger colleagues. Physical ability can be improved through exercise or can often be compensated for, and some physically demanding jobs may maintain the muscles required to perform those jobs.

4. Older people tend to have poorer sensory abilities such as sight and hearing. This loss is not consistent in all older adults and there can be compensation for most sensory loss.

5. Older adults have difficulty adapting to change. Studies have found that older persons are less resistant to change than men and women in their twenties. Often any difficulties perceived may be the result of resistance to change and this may occur at any age.

Practical Steps For Ageing

1. Be Involved. Revisit your childhood dreams. It's never too late to be who you might have

been. Rekindle your spirit for risk taking.

2. Be the ‘newest old person’ to do something. Your full potential may lie ahead. Respond to new opportunities. Remain open to the infinite possibilities the world has to offer.

3. Renew your zest for education. Many universities and colleges have free tuition for older adults over 65.

4. Ignore all the advice you get. Remember that the wisdom to discover and act on your

deepest passion is within you.

5. Develop some ‘purpose’ in life. A few generations ago, before social security and full-time

leisure became culturally embedded as the ‘norm,’ elders remained productive members of

society, relied upon for their insight, wisdom, and skills.

6. Be the best you can be. At this stage in life, don't get stuck with the ‘been there, done

that’ crowd. Stay curious about people and places, reach out and open to the possibilities,

revitalize your energy by finding a community of people who embrace growth and change.

7. Accept yourself as you are. With the assurance that you are truly worthy, enjoy the

adventure, gain the serenity and well-being to which long life entitles you.

8. Retire the word ‘retirement’ from your vocabulary. The definition of the word retirement

means: to withdraw or retreat. Words have meaning and what we say to ourselves creates

our reality. It is time to let this word go.

9. Restructure your priorities. Determine what is most important to you, like deepening relationships with family and friends, community service, or the arts.

10. Move your body regularly. Walk, garden, dance, swim, practice yoga, take up hiking, or

start biking. Find something you really enjoy and make it a part of your daily wellness program.

Gail Sheehy, in her book, New Passages, identifies three stages of adult life: first adulthood 30-45; second adulthood 45-75; and third adulthood 75 + years. In the West, it is time to celebrate this dynamic community and re-define Sheehy’s second and third stages of life as a time for:

Ø renaissance or renewal;

Ø involvement in meaningful decision-making, and

Ø commitment to making a difference.

Remember:

“Age is something that doesn’t matter, unless you are a cheese.” - Billie Burke

“I am not ageing, I just need re-potting.” - Anonymous

“Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” - Unknown

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