Some Myths of Aging
1. All elderly people are worn out and senile No- Most elderly live independent lives and mainly live in their own homes. They are not entirely dependent on their children as elders these days are well informed, well equipped to handle their problems and be independent. 2. Ageing is a new problem No- There have always been elderly people around; but there are now more. In the past, most people died young as they were denied the opportunity to grow old by famine, war or epidemics. Now in India, most babies can expect to survive into their 70s and in developed countries it is in 80s. 3. Chronic conditions of old age are not treatable No- The majority of medicine at all ages deals with managing these chronic conditions. The course of these chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease can be slowed down or modified. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy significantly improve the quality of life those living with chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease or stroke. 4. Treating older...