According to the American Society on Aging, “ageism” refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or oneself based on age. Ageism is one of the most widespread and socially accepted forms of prejudice.
Here are 2 of the biggest myths related to cognitive abilities as we age.
❌ MYTH: Older adults can’t learn new things.
✅ FACT: While a decrease in mental flexibility and a slowing of cognitive performance is common with aging, normal aging does not decrease a person’s intelligence. Their ability to learn something new and improve performance in various skills is still very much present.
❌ MYTH: People develop dementia as they get older.
✅ FACT: While issues like mild word-finding difficulties and a mild decrease in working memory (“senior moments”) typically become more common with normal aging, dementia is not a part of normal aging. The risk of developing dementia increases as we age, but the majority of older adults will not develop dementia.
pcoa.org/ways-we-help/dementia-capable-southern-arizona.html/
