It is so important to dispel these kinds of myths. I ran across this article debunking more aging myths and it might be of interest to other readers. https://absolutecompanion.com/top-myths-about-aging/
The great organization you mentioned that sponsors a wide range of intellectually-stimulating learning and travel programs is now called Road Scholar, not Elderhostel. This name change took place several years ago.
Thank you for this article. I think of the caregiving I do and sometimes am terrified of aging, but there are people who are at the top of their intellectual game, and even physically (Diana Nyad became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida at 64, and there are youtubes of martial arts masters who take on opponents twice their size and half their age). What we see as caregivers is not normal or typical even (stroke, Alzheimer's are not normal aging).
LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS TO US. IT IS HOW WE DEAL WITH THAT MATTERS. WE ALL KNOW AT SOME TIME WE WILL DIE. SO, WHILE WE ARE ALIVE AND WITH WHATEVER ABILITIES WE STILL HAVE RETAINED - WE NEED TO FOLLOW THAT PATH. WE NEED TO DO IT WITH NO FEAR THAT WE CAN'T. LIFE WILL TELL US IF WE CAN'T OR NOT. THEN ADJUSTMENTS HAVE TO BE MADE. ADJUSTMENTS THAT ALLOW US TO ENJOY WHAT THINGS WE CAN STILL ENJOY. THERE IS NO MAGIC CURE FOR OLD AGE. THERE IS ALSO NO DENYING THAT IT IS A FACT. SO I BELIEVE IN DOING WHAT I WANT TO AS BEST I CAN - IGNORING THE THINGS THAT I AM NOT CAPABLE OF AND FINDING A WAY TO ACCOMPLISH THEM. I AM THE MASTER OF MY FATE! TAKING MEDICATIONS THAT HELP YOU COPE IS A PLUS. TRYING TO IGNORE THE PROBLEMS YOU DO HAVE IS STUPID - BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD DO TO PROLONG YOUR LIFE MY NOT BE WORTH IT TO YOU. IT IS YOUR LIFE - LIVE IT AS YOU WANT TO - HOWEVER BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF IN THE PROCESS. LAST OF ALL - LET YOUR LOVED ONES KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THEM! SHARE YOUR LOVE.
One thing written was "more than 100,000 of those 65-75 and older have been frequent travelers".... well, my screen name is "freqflyer" which I have used on forums since the 1990's, but I haven't stepped inside a plane in over six years because of my parent's decision to remain in their single family home being in their 90's. And I am in the 65-75 age bracket.
Now, if my parents were to answer a survey, they would say "yes" they were doing a lot of traveling from 65-85. I have cousins my age who had planned on traveling but it never happened, again side tracked by an aging parent who thought living in their own home at the age of 100 was perfectly all right.
Very good article! This brings up something that has been on my mind. It has been nagging me that we as caregivers sometimes stereotype and enable our own elders along these lines. The best of intentions can lead to encouraging dependence and promoting the idea that they are feeble beings. It's certainly a fine line. There are things that individual elders cannot and should not do because it would be unsafe. Help is definitely needed to varying degrees. On the other hand I think it's important to resist over protection.
I believe a rush to prevent any sense of frustration or disappointment can be a form of patronizing which will further erode the elders sense of dignity and self respect.
There is no correct formula. Each elder person has their own unique set of circumstances and needs but this is a subject I never see mentioned and I think it's worth discussion.
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10 Common Misconceptions About Aging
SO I BELIEVE IN DOING WHAT I WANT TO AS BEST I CAN - IGNORING THE THINGS THAT I AM NOT CAPABLE OF AND FINDING A WAY TO ACCOMPLISH THEM. I AM THE MASTER OF MY FATE!
TAKING MEDICATIONS THAT HELP YOU COPE IS A PLUS. TRYING TO IGNORE THE PROBLEMS YOU DO HAVE IS STUPID - BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD DO TO PROLONG YOUR LIFE MY NOT BE WORTH IT TO YOU. IT IS YOUR LIFE - LIVE IT AS YOU WANT TO - HOWEVER BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF IN THE PROCESS.
LAST OF ALL - LET YOUR LOVED ONES KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THEM! SHARE YOUR LOVE.
ROSEPETAL
One thing written was "more than 100,000 of those 65-75 and older have been frequent travelers".... well, my screen name is "freqflyer" which I have used on forums since the 1990's, but I haven't stepped inside a plane in over six years because of my parent's decision to remain in their single family home being in their 90's. And I am in the 65-75 age bracket.
Now, if my parents were to answer a survey, they would say "yes" they were doing a lot of traveling from 65-85. I have cousins my age who had planned on traveling but it never happened, again side tracked by an aging parent who thought living in their own home at the age of 100 was perfectly all right.
I believe a rush to prevent any sense of frustration or disappointment can be a form of patronizing which will further erode the elders sense of dignity and self respect.
There is no correct formula. Each elder person has their own unique set of circumstances and needs but this is a subject I never see mentioned and I think it's worth discussion.