Debunked Misconceptions About Aging
According to the US Census Bureau, one-fifth of Americans will be above the age of 65 by 2030. With so many adults reaching retirement age, many worry that senior life will be depressing, lazy, and sick. But you might be surprised. Most seniors “feel” young, use the internet regularly, and exercise. If these facts piqued your interest, see what other misconceptions about aging there are that science has debunked.
Most Seniors Don’t “Feel” Old
Although seniors might look old, they do not feel old. In 2016, a study in the International Journal of Aging Research found that most seniors feel 20 years younger than they are. This was despite the fact that 60% of participants lived with chronic pain.
This feeling, called “age inside,” is what keeps older people working. In July 2020, a different survey found that 65% of seniors feel more positive about aging than they expected to. They felt more positive and held a stronger sense of purpose.
