It was a Sunday afternoon and Nikita decided it was too beautiful a day to waste by staying indoors. So Nikita forced her mother, to head to the nearest mall with her.
Her mother however was a reluctant party to this excursion. Reason being, malls make her ‘feel’ old. Nikita’s 43 year old mother who is yet to reach her old age tends to ‘feel’ old. What prompts this Old feeling in her head, even though mentally and physically she is quite fit? The answers to these questions could be found in the various myths surrounding ‘Old Age’
Many people fear old age due to a whole gamut of myths attached to Ageing. Demystifying these myths will not only help people like Nikita’s mother, but also help them enjoy their lives after 50.
Ageing myths Demystified
- Old age means limited physical activity: - Physical inactivty is the most feared with the advent of old age. As one grows old, there is gradual wear and tear experienced by the body but a regular exercise regime should take care of stiff joints and aching bones, leaving you free to do the ‘walking and talking’ in old age. Doing gentle exercise is recommended after 50s. Water Aerobics, Tai Chi, Yoga, Leisure cycling and the all-time favorite Walking are forms of exercise that are immensely helpful in maintaining fitness beyond 50’s.
- Alienation from the social circle follows Old Age: - Another dreaded myth associated with ageing is that of
alienation. Alienation is the fear of being left alone but contrary to this the elderly are a much desired company by people of any age group. Children especially look forward to spending time with their grandparents. Plus to avoid the feeling of loneliness that can stem from the absence of casual friends which is common in old age, people can join hobby classes, enter clubs and most importantly take initiative in meeting their family and close friends.
- Yesterday’s old people become irrelevant today: - There cannot be a bigger myth than this, when it comes to ageing. Most people approaching old age are found guilty of this redundant thought process. People who have spent years working in a particular field, gain unmatchable experience in the same and terming this experience as irrelevant is a mistake that no firm would want to commit. This statement can be solidified by the fact that most decision makers in the corporate world are in the age bracket of 45-50 and above; Vijay Mallya, Ratan Tata and Rahul Bajaj serve as shining examples of the statement.
- Sex doesn’t exist beyond the 50s: - Many people believe that sex beyond middle age is a rather sordid affair! While this can be attributed to the diminishing of one’s sex drive, it can also partly be blamed on the equation of sex with the youth. While the main reasons for a diminished sex drive points towards the libido, many factors such as continued stress, smoking, chronic illness etc also affect one’s sex drive. Contrary to popular belief sex after 50s is more enjoyable! Since people are more confident about their body image and know what they want, plus there is no pressure of impressing your partner as sex in the later ages in all about enjoyment.
- Ageing will make me Unattractive: - Another huge myth surrounding ageing is that makes people seem unattractive and therefore undesirable. In fact a proven study quotes that younger males and females are equally attracted to their mature and distinguished counterparts!
