Aging
Mar 11, 2019 07:22:59 #
Attitude is everything by Ashton Applewhite
If you’d told me 10 years ago that I’d become fascinated with aging, I’d have snorted in disbelief. Why on earth would I, then aged 56, want to spend my time thinking about something so dismal and depressing? That was before I started a project about workers over 80 and learning about longevity. It didn’t take long to realize that almost everything I thought I knew was way off base — or flat-out wrong. Here are some of the numbers I came across:
2.5% I thought the odds of ending up in some grim institution were pretty good, especially if I lived long enough. In fact, the percentage of Americans over 65 in nursing homes is just 2¹ /₂ percent, and it’s dropping. Even for people 85 and up, the number is only 9 percent.
90% What about the specter of dementia? Here’s the thing: Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease, but it is not typical of aging. One in 10 people age 65 and older (10 percent) has Alzheimer’s dementia, which means that 90 percent do not. Even as the population ages, dementia rates are falling significantly, according to a 2017 report by the Journal of the American Medical Association, and people are being diagnosed at older and older ages. The real epidemic is anxiety about memory loss.
50% OK, but what about becoming sick, and helpless? Over half of the “oldest old” — 85 and up — can go about their everyday activities without any help. Probably not shoveling their driveways or doing Costco runs, but dressing, cooking and wiping their own bottoms. The vast majority of older Americans enjoy independent lives, slowed somewhat but fully capable of finding our glasses sooner or later and making our way in the world.
25% Don’t we age into loneliness and depression? Not usually. Only a quarter of Americans over 70 say they’re lonely (25 percent, compared with 43 percent of people ages 45-49). Younger people worry more than their elders about becoming socially isolated, and for good reason. According to a 2018 survey by global health-service company Cigna, the loneliest group is Generation Z (ages 18-22).
Here’s the kicker: People are happiest at the beginnings and the ends of their lives. It’s called the “U-shaped happiness curve” — go ahead, Google it — and it’s been borne out by many reputable studies in the US and around the world.
$7.4 trillion: Think older people are an economic burden? Think again. Although they make up only 35 percent of the population, people over 50 contribute 43 percent of the total US GDP — a cool $7.4 trillion. Not only can we afford “all these old people,” they’re punching above their weight when it comes to their impact on the economy.
Why do so many of these numbers come as a surprise? Because of ageism: discrimination and stereotyping on the basis of age, especially against older people. The personal, social and economic consequences are devastating.
$64 billion: Ageism in health care adds a staggering $64 billion to the cost of health care in the US every year, a Yale School of Public Health study found in 2018. That’s because battling the negative stereotypes that feed ageism cause stress, which is bad for our health. And that’s just the health-care price tag.
56% Brand new data shows more than half of older US workers are pushed out of longtime jobs before they choose to retire, suffering financial damage that is often irreversible. The personal effects also devastate.
7.5 years: People with accurate perceptions of aging can expect to live 7¹/₂ years longer, on average, than people brainwashed by negative myths and stereotypes, according to a 2002 study published by the National Institutes of Health. Not only that, they walk faster, heal quicker and are less likely to develop dementia — even if they’re genetically predisposed towards the disease.
I’ve learned that our fears about aging are way out of whack with reality and that knowing the facts about the elderly leads to a happier, healthier approach for society. That’s why I’m on a crusade to make ageism as unacceptable as any form of prejudice. I hope you’ll join me.
Brooklyn-based writer and activist Ashton Applewhite is the author of “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism” (Celadon Books), out now
If you’d told me 10 years ago that I’d become fascinated with aging, I’d have snorted in disbelief. Why on earth would I, then aged 56, want to spend my time thinking about something so dismal and depressing? That was before I started a project about workers over 80 and learning about longevity. It didn’t take long to realize that almost everything I thought I knew was way off base — or flat-out wrong. Here are some of the numbers I came across:
2.5% I thought the odds of ending up in some grim institution were pretty good, especially if I lived long enough. In fact, the percentage of Americans over 65 in nursing homes is just 2¹ /₂ percent, and it’s dropping. Even for people 85 and up, the number is only 9 percent.
90% What about the specter of dementia? Here’s the thing: Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease, but it is not typical of aging. One in 10 people age 65 and older (10 percent) has Alzheimer’s dementia, which means that 90 percent do not. Even as the population ages, dementia rates are falling significantly, according to a 2017 report by the Journal of the American Medical Association, and people are being diagnosed at older and older ages. The real epidemic is anxiety about memory loss.
50% OK, but what about becoming sick, and helpless? Over half of the “oldest old” — 85 and up — can go about their everyday activities without any help. Probably not shoveling their driveways or doing Costco runs, but dressing, cooking and wiping their own bottoms. The vast majority of older Americans enjoy independent lives, slowed somewhat but fully capable of finding our glasses sooner or later and making our way in the world.
25% Don’t we age into loneliness and depression? Not usually. Only a quarter of Americans over 70 say they’re lonely (25 percent, compared with 43 percent of people ages 45-49). Younger people worry more than their elders about becoming socially isolated, and for good reason. According to a 2018 survey by global health-service company Cigna, the loneliest group is Generation Z (ages 18-22).
Here’s the kicker: People are happiest at the beginnings and the ends of their lives. It’s called the “U-shaped happiness curve” — go ahead, Google it — and it’s been borne out by many reputable studies in the US and around the world.
$7.4 trillion: Think older people are an economic burden? Think again. Although they make up only 35 percent of the population, people over 50 contribute 43 percent of the total US GDP — a cool $7.4 trillion. Not only can we afford “all these old people,” they’re punching above their weight when it comes to their impact on the economy.
Why do so many of these numbers come as a surprise? Because of ageism: discrimination and stereotyping on the basis of age, especially against older people. The personal, social and economic consequences are devastating.
$64 billion: Ageism in health care adds a staggering $64 billion to the cost of health care in the US every year, a Yale School of Public Health study found in 2018. That’s because battling the negative stereotypes that feed ageism cause stress, which is bad for our health. And that’s just the health-care price tag.
56% Brand new data shows more than half of older US workers are pushed out of longtime jobs before they choose to retire, suffering financial damage that is often irreversible. The personal effects also devastate.
7.5 years: People with accurate perceptions of aging can expect to live 7¹/₂ years longer, on average, than people brainwashed by negative myths and stereotypes, according to a 2002 study published by the National Institutes of Health. Not only that, they walk faster, heal quicker and are less likely to develop dementia — even if they’re genetically predisposed towards the disease.
I’ve learned that our fears about aging are way out of whack with reality and that knowing the facts about the elderly leads to a happier, healthier approach for society. That’s why I’m on a crusade to make ageism as unacceptable as any form of prejudice. I hope you’ll join me.
Brooklyn-based writer and activist Ashton Applewhite is the author of “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism” (Celadon Books), out now
Mar 11, 2019 07:27:01 #
I’m fast-approaching seventy-seven and plan to be around for a long time yet. Time will tell if my aims work out.
Mar 11, 2019 07:51:02 #
I'll be 75 in a few weeks, but that doesn't describe how I feel. 75 sounds old, but I don't feel old.
As for all the money old people contribute to the economy, I bet a large portion is for medication, doctors, hospitals, and nursing homes - unfortunately.
As for all the money old people contribute to the economy, I bet a large portion is for medication, doctors, hospitals, and nursing homes - unfortunately.
Mar 11, 2019 07:56:05 #
Thanks for the info. Age is a number and I plan to add a lot to my number.
Mar 11, 2019 07:56:13 #
A couple of years ago my seven year old granddaughter asked me how old I was. I told her 70 and she asked me:
“Is that old?”
I said:
“What do you think?”
She said:
“Well, maybe for some people but not you”
And I think she got it right. I know 50 year olds who act like their life is over and 90 year olds who act like it’s just beginning,
“Is that old?”
I said:
“What do you think?”
She said:
“Well, maybe for some people but not you”
And I think she got it right. I know 50 year olds who act like their life is over and 90 year olds who act like it’s just beginning,
Mar 11, 2019 08:02:01 #
jjbrenner
Loc: San Angelo, TX
Sir, it's good to read an upbeat, positive commentary on us seniors. Most of what I see and hear makes fun of old age or indicates that we're going to bankrupt the nation. As a 76-year-older, it's nice to read inspirational news for a change. Thanks for sharing. Jim
Mar 11, 2019 08:18:09 #
jjbrenner wrote:
Sir, it's good to read an upbeat, positive commentary on us seniors. Most of what I see and hear makes fun of old age or indicates that we're going to bankrupt the nation. As a 76-year-older, it's nice to read inspirational news for a change. Thanks for sharing. Jim
Thanks Jim, I thought the same thing when I first read it!
Mar 11, 2019 08:39:26 #
alby
Loc: very eastern pa.
jerryc41 wrote:
I'll be 75 in a few weeks, but that doesn't describe how I feel. 75 sounds old, but I don't feel old.
As for all the money old people contribute to the economy, I bet a large portion is for medication, doctors, hospitals, and nursing homes - unfortunately.
As for all the money old people contribute to the economy, I bet a large portion is for medication, doctors, hospitals, and nursing homes - unfortunately.
not so sure... i personally have not spent over $100 a year on meds, drs. etc., since i have retired.... with medicare, aarp, etc. it takes care of it all so far. i spend mostly on things i couldn't comfortably think about buying while i was younger... now if i really want it, i buy it... that said, i hope and pray it will stay that way.
Mar 11, 2019 08:41:42 #
I'm past the middle of eighty. We had an ice storm this winter and I lost a lot of trees. I am still cutting and dragging limbs and burning brush. People ask if is allowed to burn but I'm in my eighties and can't learn new tricks. (yes it's ok) I don't shovel snow now. I have learned to let it melt. My wife gets upset if she sees me with the chain saw and a latter and she doesn't like me on the roof. Living by ourselves is not bad and yes I can take myself to the bathroom so I feel my age is only numbers and I am not yet ready to push the delete button yet.
Mar 11, 2019 08:48:16 #
I feel like I just added 7&1/2 years to my already 72 years of age, just by reading your post. Thanks for that. I’m also feeling a little less glum thanks to you. I will keep this for future reference in case “I FORGET IT”. PUN INTENDED!! Great info for AGED PHOTOGRAPHERS... BOB
Mar 11, 2019 09:59:29 #
In my mid 60's, I feel I am a youngster here but ageing is very much on my mind. I found your article very encouraging and reassuring. Thanks
Mar 11, 2019 10:41:17 #
I be 74 in a few weeks, I have no idea how a 74 years person is to act. Yes I have COPD and at least 50%+ hearing loss and other heather problems. I get up some morning I feel like I had sleep out on the driveway. Weather in Northern New York is bad news at this time of the year, but I still go out and take some pictures. I take one day at a time. Take care of the little things, because their can cause the most trouble.
Mar 11, 2019 10:59:50 #
SpikeW wrote:
I'm past the middle of eighty. We had an ice storm... (show quote)
I think I found a role model👍
Mar 11, 2019 11:23:29 #
IDguy
Loc: Idaho
Thanks for the uplifting data!
At a mere 72 I feel like a youngster here. I’d be skiing today if I didn’t have to take the dog to the Vet. Wed will do. Got the RV out of the snow and headed south Thursday, at least Death Valley and Lake Mojave. April likely CA. May SC. July floating the Grand Canyon. Probably head to AK after that. Time to make some longer term cruise/tour trips. Don’t know how I found time to work!
At a mere 72 I feel like a youngster here. I’d be skiing today if I didn’t have to take the dog to the Vet. Wed will do. Got the RV out of the snow and headed south Thursday, at least Death Valley and Lake Mojave. April likely CA. May SC. July floating the Grand Canyon. Probably head to AK after that. Time to make some longer term cruise/tour trips. Don’t know how I found time to work!
Mar 11, 2019 12:31:27 #
Well it appears that I am in pretty good company. I will turn 77 later this year and I am still working during the week and remodeling my home on weekends, in addition to doing photo shoots. So I keep busy and they say and this article seems to confirm that keeping busy helps keeping you alive. Thank you for the very interesting article and I will be printing it out for reference as I am also pretty busy keeping up with our legislators...
Bob
Bob
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