Medical myths of ageing 1

 Medical News Today is an interesting newsletter they come out with all sorts of fascinating material In the latest installment of our Medical Myths series, they tackle myths associated with aging. Because aging is inevitable and, for some people, frightening, it is no surprise that myths abound.

The article was written by Tim Newman on September 7, 2020 and  Fact checked by Anna Guildford, Ph.D.

In our Medical Myths series, we approach medical misinformation head on. Using expert insight and peer-reviewed research to wrestle fact from fiction, MNT brings clarity to the myth riddled world of health journalism.

1.Physical deterioration is inevitable

This is not entirely untrue. As we age, our body does experience wear and tear from decades of use. However, physical deterioration does not have to be complete, and people can often slow it down.

As the WHO explain, “Increased physical activity and improving diet can effectively tackle many of the problems frequently associated with old age.” These problems include reduced strength, increased body fat, high blood pressure, and reduced bone density.

Some research suggests that merely expecting physical deterioration increases the likelihood that someone will physically deteriorate.

In one study, scientists surveyed 148 older adults about their aging, lifestyles, and general health expectations.

They concluded that expectations regarding aging “play an important role in the adoption of physically active lifestyles in older adults and may influence health outcomes, such as physical function.”

So, although some deterioration is likely, managing expectations will help individuals make better life choices to maintain physical health and fitness later in life.

An older study investigated how perceptions of aging influenced an individual’s likelihood of seeking medical attention. The authors of the study, which included data from 429 older adults, concluded:

•        “[H]aving low expectations regarding aging was independently associated with not believing it important to seek health care.”

Another study looked at individual attitudes to aging during late middle-age and how they might influence their overall lifespan. The authors concluded that “older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging, measured up to 23 years earlier, lived 7.5 years longer than those with less positive self-perceptions of aging.”

In short, keeping active, eating right, and maintaining a positive outlook can often slow the physical deterioration associated with older age.