Great Myths of Aging [Hardcover]

Great Myths of Aging looks at the generalizations and stereotypes associated with older people and, with a blend of humor and cutting-edge research, dispels those common myths.

 

• Reader-friendly structure breaks myths down into categories such as Body, Mind, and Living Contexts; and looks at myths from “Older people lose interest in sex” to “Older people are stingy”
• Explains the origins of myths and misconceptions about aging
• Looks at the unfortunate consequences of anti-aging stereotypes for both the reader and older adults in society

Introduction 1

1 The Body 6

“Speak up! I can’t hear you!” 6

#1 It is best to speak to an older person as you would to a small child – loudly, slowly, and with exaggerated emphasis 7

#2 Hearing aids are beneficial for older adults in just about any situation, but many are just too stubborn to use them 9

You can’t be too careful (or … falling down and crashing cars) 12

#3 Older people worry too much about falling 13

#4 Older people get into more car accidents than younger people 15

Now that you don’t have sex anymore… 20

#5 Older people lose interest in sex 20

#6 Older women do not care about their looks 25

#7 Older people need to wear diapers, and how sexy is that? 29

#8 It’s always best for older adults to be married rather than single 32

2 The Mind 37

“I’m just having a senior moment” 37