Professional Documents
Culture Documents
• Whereas today, most older adults • Wisdom and creativity often • Approximately 92% of older adults
are White, a dramatic transformation continue to the very end of life. have at least one chronic condition,
will occur within the next 2 decades, and 77% have two or more.
• Personality traits remain relatively
resulting in a population that is more stable over time. For example, peo- • Four chronic conditions—heart dis-
culturally diverse. ple who were outgoing during young ease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes—
• Between 2010 and 2030, the adulthood are likely to be outgoing cause almost two thirds of all deaths
White population 65+ is projected to in later life. among individuals 65 and older each
increase by 59%, compared with 160% • Most older adults report good year.
for older minorities. Older Latinos will mental health and have fewer • People 55 and older account
account for the largest increase: In mental health problems than for over a quarter of all Americans
2030, they will constitute 22% of the other age groups. However, one diagnosed with HIV, and this number
older population, compared to 8% in four older adults experiences is increasing.
of today’s older adults. a mental health problem such as • Hearing impairment among older
The population of older immigrants in depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, adults is often mild or moderate,
the U.S. has increased by 70% in or dementia. yet it is widespread; almost 25% of
WHAT’S IMPORTANT
TO REMEMBER. . .
Although many people
over age 65 begin to
experience some physical
and cognitive changes,
they learn to live with
them and lead happy
and productive lives.
adults aged 65–74 and 50% aged 75 resources, poor education, unem- 3.5% for persons 75–84 years and
and older have hearing impairment ployment, discrimination, and less 13.2% for persons 85+.
that is often isolating. access to quality health care.
Most older adults stay socially
• Visual changes among aging adults • In spite of these mental and physi- engaged and productive
result in such problems as slower cal health issues, two thirds of older
REALITY. Many older adults continue
reading speed and difficulty reading adults who are not living in long-term
to work, volunteer, and act as caregiv-
small print and in dim light, as well care settings report their health to be
ers to other family members. Having
as difficulty driving at night. good, very good, or excellent com-
regular positive interactions with
• The proportion of older adults need- pared to others their age.
family and friends and being involved
ing assistance with everyday activities in several different social networks
REALITY OR MYTH: WHICH IS IT?
increases with age. Fewer than one can help older adults be healthi-
People are often classified by age
fifth of older adults between ages 65 er—both physically and emotionally.
group and not by individual charac-
and 74 need assistance with activi- Conversely, loneliness has a negative
teristics. This categorization often re-
ties of daily living, such as bathing or physical and emotional impact.
sults in inaccurate stereotypes about
eating. This increases to 40% of men
aging and older adults. The following
and 53% of women over 85 who need Older adults have little to no
statements reflect either the reality or
such assistance. interest in sex or intimacy
a myth about older Americans.
• Older ethnic and racial minorities MYTH. Although frequency of sexual
have a higher prevalence of obesity, Most older Americans live activity may decline in older adult-
diabetes, and hypertension, as well in nursing homes hood, many older adults continue
as an earlier onset of chronic illness, MYTH. Only about 5% of older to enjoy a physically and emotionally
than White older adults. Some of the Americans live in nursing homes at fulfilling sex life. Benefits of sexual
factors contributing to this disparity any given time. However, the per- activity include better sleep, less
are poverty, segregated communi- centage increases with age, ranging stress, more positive mood,
ties with fewer health-promoting from 1.1% for persons 65–74 years to and increased marital satisfaction.
MAINTAIN TIES WITH
FRIENDS AND FAMILY
to maximize your social
support system, and as you
experience age-related losses,
seek their support to help you
cope with those losses.
Like younger adults, older adults aging well by taking some of the arts, sciences, politics, and other
who are in good health—and have following steps: areas of cultural and social interest.
a willing partner—are more likely • Exercise. Even a moderate • Be an interesting person.
to engage in sexual activity. amount each day can help one stay Engage in something that matters
active, independent, and maintain to you and that you care passionate-
Individuals can learn new
positive mood. It can make even ly about.
skills even in late life
the frailest older person stronger
REALITY. Older adults can learn skills CONCLUSION
and more fit.
in late life, although learning some Armed with the facts about the
• Continue to maintain a healthy life-
skills may take longer than in younger myths and realities of aging, indi-
style and make adjustments
adults. The adage “you can’t teach an viduals, families, and our society are
for any changes in your function
old dog new tricks” is the myth. better able to view older adults as
(e.g., hearing, vision, flexibility,
resources and to provide appropriate
There is nothing that can be or strength).
support for those in need of
done to reduce one’s risk of • Continue to engage in routine pre- assistance.
Alzheimer’s’ disease ventive health behaviors
MYTH. Physical and mental inac- (e.g., get immunizations for flu For more information, visit the
tivity, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and pneumonia). APA’s Office on Aging website:
hypertension, and depression are • Advocate for yourself and your fam- www.apa.org/pi/aging
all associated with an increased risk ily in health care settings or bring a
for the development of Alzheimer’s knowledgeable representative with
disease. Each of these factors can you. Do not be afraid to ask ques-
be modified. Keeping mentally and tions or get a second opinion.
physically active can help preserve • If you feel anxious, depressed, or are Office on Aging
cognitive skills, reduce the risk of using alcohol or drugs to manage American Psychological Association
Alzheimer’s disease, and maintain your mood, seek assistance. Un- 750 First Street, NE
overall health. treated mental health problems are Washington, DC 20002-4242
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE associated with poor physical health Phone: (202) 336-6135
AGING WELL A REALITY? outcomes, including increased Fax: (202) 336-6040
Older adults who rate their health as disability and illness, as well as de- Email: publicinterest@apa.org
good are twice as satisfied with life creased quality of life
This is an update of the 1998 brochure developed as an
as older adults who rate their health • Be an interested person. Remain initiative of then APA President Norman Abeles, PhD.
as poor. Increase your chances of aware of new developments in the © 2017 American Psychological Association