People over 60 face hidden barriers and stereotypes. There is an expectation that once people reach 60, they should hide themselves away and stop living life. Americans live longer, and many are physically healthy into their 80s, so there should be no limitations or expectations on what they should and shouldn’t do. Here are 18 myths about people over 60.
The Myth of Slowing Down: Staying Active and Fit
It is a myth that people become inactive once they pass 60 years of age. Activities aimed at seniors are a big business, and gyms aim some classes specifically for those over 60. The ultimate example of not slowing down is Helen Thayer, who, at 63, walked 1,600 miles across the Gobi desert in 126-degree heat with her 74-year-old husband.
Tech-Savvy Seniors: Embracing Modern Gadgets
It has become a cliche that older people can’t use technology. Millennials and younger generations shouldn’t forget that those over 60 played a key role in developing modern technology. Seniors are active on social media and have dedicated groups for specific issues.
Challenging Ageism in the Workplace
Ageism in the workplace is a growing problem. The US population is living longer due to better diets and improved access to healthcare. This means they want to extend their working life but are not welcomed by their younger coworkers. Despite the barriers they face, seniors are continuing to challenge stereotypes by highlighting the discrimination they face.
Travel and Adventure: Exploring the World
Age doesn’t stop people from traveling, and it’s not just to Florida resorts that seniors go to. Retirement offers the opportunity to explore the world and experience cultures without the burden of work. Such a sense of adventure dispels the myth that retirees aren't willing to learn and try new things.
Fashion and Style: Breaking Stereotypes
Fashion marketed to people over 60 has boomed in recent years. No matter their age, they want to look good. There is no reason seniors shouldn’t look stylish if they want to.
Learning New Skills: It's Never Too Late
Scientific evidence shows that the brain slows down as you grow older. By staying mentally active, the rate at which it slows can be reduced. Over 60s are learning new skills such as learning languages. It isn’t just about retaining mental ability; some do it because they enjoy learning, and knowledge isn’t limited to the young.
Romance and Relationships: Finding Love
Love is ageless. It’s that simple. The idea that older people can’t fall in love is absurd and grounded in societal norms and stereotypes that dating is only for the young.
Starting a New Career or Business
Retirees find they have more time on their hands than they wished; to combat boredom, they start businesses or return to the workplace. Remote working provides even more opportunities for seniors who want to spend a few hours a day working and making extra money. For many, money is irrelevant; they miss the social aspect and wish to remain active.
Social Media: Staying Connected
Boomers on social media have become an overused cliche. As with any age group, there are people who use social media to complain about everything. Most are silent on public platforms but enjoy being able to connect with friends far away and speak to family.
Extreme Sports and Physical Challenges
There is a whole community of over 60 who take part in extreme sports and extreme challenges. Running back-to-back marathons at any age is a feat; those doing it well into their 60s defy society’s view of how they should live.
Embracing Change: Adapting to New Trends
There is a surprising number of seniors who are embracing sustainable living. A study at a French university found that older people are more interested in ecology than younger people. There is a trend for younger people to blame all of the world’s ills on seniors; evidence shows that seniors are more active in making changes that benefit the planet.
Pursuing Higher Education and Degrees
Higher education and degrees are more accessible than ever, and over-60s are throwing themselves into education. It is often for personal reasons rather than work-related, as many did not have the opportunity when they left high school; others just want to learn.
Volunteering and Community Involvement
Volunteering helps seniors to get out and meet people; it also adds to their sense of self-worth. They have to listen to tirades from young people about them being a drain on society and how easy they had it. Going into the community and getting involved in projects changes those perceptions while having a personal benefit.
Creative Expression: Art, Music, and Writing
Staying creative keeps you healthy as you age. The arts provide an outlet for creative abilities; seniors are seeing their work published and celebrated. Writing especially gives a platform for their life experiences to be put on paper, telling stories that would not have been heard.
Driving and Mobility: Staying Independent
Societal norms expect seniors to be cared for by their children and other family members. People live longer and are fit and mobile into their 60s, 70s and even 80s. They want to remain independent for as long as possible, and having a car provides that independence. Despite the stereotype of seniors being bad drivers, they are more likely to stick to speed limits and not use their phones while driving.
Health and Wellness: Maintaining Vitality
Staying healthy doesn’t have to involve extreme sports and wild adventures. Frequent checkups and walking short distances each day are enough to prolong life. With the realization that life doesn't stop after retirement, seniors pay more attention to their health.
Financial Independence and Planning
Retirees no longer want to rely on children and other family members to support them after retiring. Having financial independence allows seniors to pursue retirement goals. Some services assist seniors in their financial planning, allowing them to live within their means.
Active Grandparenting: Engaging with Grandkids
Leading healthier lives and having independence creates a healthier relationship with grandchildren. Over 60s are physically able to take part in activities with their grandchildren. Having their own homes provides a healthy distance between grandparents and their grandchildren, leading to better relationships with children and grandchildren.
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