Senior Health

What We Don't Know May Harm Them!

Anyone who works with older adults needs to be "in the know" about realities of aging. We need be able to differentiate between the truths about aging and the many myths and stereotypes that exist so that we base our interactions with them on a solid knowledge foundation.

Test your knowledge about older people and the aging process. Complete the following true or false statements. The answers can be found below.

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As people grow older, their intelligence declines significantly. T F
Personality changes with age. T F
Memory loss is a normal part of aging. T F
Clinical depression occurs more frequently in older than younger people. T F
Most old people lose interest in and capacity for sexual relations. T F
Constipation increases in more people as they grow older. T F
Retirement is often detrimental to health-ie., people frequently become ill or die soon after retirement. T F
The modern family no longer takes care of its older people. T F
Abuse of older people is not a significant problem in the U.S. T F
Older adults have the highest suicide rate of any age group.¹ T F

Answers to the Aging Quiz: All of the answers are False, except for numbers 3 and 10.

Possible consequences if or when older people and professionals confuse pathologic conditions with normal aging:

We are likely to overlook treatable conditions.
This confusion could significantly harm older by people by not addressing changes that are actual signs of illness ²

It is important that anyone that works with older people have an adequate geriatric education. We have a responsibility to:

be knowledgeable about the differences between age-related changes and pathology so that appropriate interventions are started.
differentiate natural aging changes so that main focus is on treatable conditions.

Research Study on Age Excuses

Many people make "age excuses" which is basically attributing problems such as forgetfulness to old age rather than illness and potentially treatable conditions. A 2002 study by Ryan and colleagues explored "age excuses" and found they often undermine the self-perception of older people and threaten self-esteem if the older person believed the excuse.³

Recommended Resources

Some aging resources:

The Administration on Aging (AoA) Website: The Administration on Aging (AoA) web site is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of a wide variety of topics, programs and services related to aging. Whether you are an older individual, caregiver, professional, community service provider, researcher, or a student, you will find valuable information provided in a user-friendly way.

References:
1. Excerpts from quiz developed by the Center on Aging Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
2. Miller, C. (2004). Aging for Wellness in Older Adults:Theory and practice. 4th Ed. New York: Lippincott, Williams & Williams
3. Ryan, E. B., Bieman-Copland, S., Kwong See, S.T., Ellis, C. H., & Anas, A. P. (2002). Age Excuses: Conversational Management of Memory Failures in Older Adults. Journal of Gerontology, 57, 256- 267.

GERO GEMS are a monthly publication of the Center for Aging with Dignity. Compiled by Evelyn Fitzwater, Gero Gems is designed to raise awareness of aging and related issues impacting health care professionals and our society as a whole.

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Last Reviewed: Aug 02, 2010

Evelyn L Fitzwater, DSN, RN
Associate Professor Emerita
Associate Director of the
College of Nursing
University of Cincinnati