Aging: Not as Bad as They Say

Authored By: Noah Goodman

Art By: Anita Huan

There are many misconceptions regarding normative, age-related decline. When considering the process of aging, many people think of loss, highlighting the negative aspects of “getting old” almost exclusively rather than considering the gains as well, and oftentimes exaggerating functional declines. Furthermore, pop culture shows and stories in the media often support such viewpoints by propagating ageist stereotypes [1]. This issue is especially concerning, since such stereotypes promote, justify, and normalize ageism within our society, and may even support the legislation of ageist policies [2]. Thus, it is necessary to confront and eliminate ageism. In this effort, the present article will analyze — and provide arguments in an attempt to disprove — some of the exaggerated claims (myths) regarding age-related losses, while in the process attempting as much as possible to emphasize age-related gains. 

Myth #1: It's all downhill after 50. While age-related declines certainly do exist — and do in fact become  more prevalent as one’s age increases — there is substantial evidence of age-related gains as well [3]. Furthermore, empirically-studied models such as the Selective Optimization with Compensation Model emphasize that behavioral strategies can promote successful aging and thereby optimize by the loss:gain ratio in advanced age [4]. Thus, while 50 may not be the prime of a person’s athletic abilities, for example, it may be a time in which they achieve higher performances in other areas, such as certain types of occupational creativity [5]. 

Myth #2: Most older adults have frail and weak bodies. This myth represents a failure to distinguish between normative and pathological age-related declines. While normative age-related decline is in fact associated with decreases in bone density and muscle size [6], such manifestations are vastly different from the symptoms of debilitating pathological diseases such as osteoporosis. However, many popular media TV shows present older individuals with slow, fragile, and weak bodies — providing a pathological portrayal of older adults, without explicit mention of any apparent diseases. Thus, such portrayals propagate the myth that older adults in general display symptoms similar to those with pathological conditions, supporting ageist stereotypes. However, while such pathologies do increase in prevalence with age, it is important to remember that not all (or even most) older adults possess them. Furthermore, it is worth noting that, even in older age, muscles remain trainable and that many physically-active older adults maintain strong physical health well into their geriatric years [7]. 

Myth #3: Most older adults need constant support and cannot live independent lives. This myth is quite simply untrue. In fact, recent estimates suggest that 23% of the national working force is 55+ years of age [8], and that 19% of Americans aged 65+ are employed [9]. Thus, older adults contribute quite significantly to the nation’s working force. Furthermore, research has shown that when encouraged by others around them to participate in independent caretaking, older adults perform such self-care quite readily and that oftentimes dependency in older age occurs only as a response to environmental support for such behavior [10]. Thus, many older adults are quite capable of taking care of themselves when provided with the proper opportunity and resources. This fact again highlights the importance of mitigating ageist stereotypes, as older adults need to be given a proper environment in which to thrive, just as would anybody else. However, the fact remains that many older adults still work, live independently [11], and contribute significantly to society. 

Overall, this article aims to serve as a reminder to discourage the propagation of ageist stereotypes, as they can have large social consequences, such as the legislation of discriminating policies. It should also help readers to recognize different types of stereotypes, that might otherwise be subtle enough to slip by their conscious awareness. These include stereotypes that focus only on age-related losses and not gains, those that blend normative and pathological aging, and those that are simply untrue. Finally, the overarching goal is to present a more positive outlook on the aging process than what is often portrayed in contemporary popular culture, and emphasize the incredible value that older adults still hold in our society. 

References:

1. K Warner Schaie, Life-span Developmental Psychology: Methodological Contributions, 45, 1994

2. Bugental D.B., & Herman, J.A.,  Ageism: A review of research and policy implications. Social Issues and Policy Review 1(1), 173-216, 2007

3. Baltes, P. B. (1987). Theoretical propositions of life-span developmental psychology: On the dynamics between growth and decline. Developmental psychology, 23(5), 611.

4. Donnellan, C. (2015). The Baltes’ model of successful aging and its considerations for Aging Life Care™/geriatric care management. Journal of Aging Life Care, 1-8.

5. Weinberg, B. A., & Galenson, D. (2005). Creative careers: The life cycles of Nobel laureates in economics.

6. Pasco, J.A. (2019). Age-Related Changes in Muscle and Bone. In: Duque, G. (eds) Osteosarcopenia: Bone, Muscle and Fat Interactions. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25890-0_3

7. Grimby, G. U. N. N. A. R. (1986). Physical activity and muscle training in the elderly. Acta Medica Scandinavica, 220(S711), 233-237.

8. Shuman, T. (2024, October 4). 2024 senior employment statistics. SeniorLiving.org. https://www.seniorliving.org/finance/senior-employment-annual-report/ 

9. Kim, W. (2024, February 26). Older Americans are working longer. some want to; others have to. Vox. https://www.vox.com/money/24080062/retirement-age-baby-boomers-older-workers 

10. Baltes, M. M. (1995). Dependency in old age: Gains and losses. Current directions in psychological science, 4(1), 14-19.

11. Graham, J. (2024, September 14). More seniors than ever are living on their own - The Washington Post. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/09/14/seniors-alone-health/