Opinion: Busting myths about aging
A larger proportion of older individuals may maintain or increase their cognitive capabilities as they age, despite previous misconceptions, according to author and science journalist Lydia Denworth.
In an opinion piece published in Scientific American, Ms. Denworth explained that aging is often stigmatized and seen as downward slope, allowing beliefs that older individuals are physically and mentally feeble to permeate society.
However, research has shown that divergences in cognition may become visible at the age of 60 years. While some individuals will experience declining brain health and conditions such as dementia, a majority of the older population may experience little to no change in their physical, biological, hormonal and cognitive function between the ages of 75 and 81 years. A separate study demonstrated that the participants who didn’t develop dementia presented with little to no decline in cognition.
Additionally, aging has been found to be associated with more stable emotions, greater regulation of desires and improved problem solving, decision-making and conflict resolution. Although the normal aging process does lead to frontal lobe shrinkage and neuron damage, the brains are able to develop new neuronal pathways.
Ms. Denworth indicated that good genetics in combination with healthful lifestyle habits and positive self-esteem can lead to better aging. She emphasized that most individuals can take control of their aging process by making healthy decisions.
“The fact is that different parts of the body can age at different rates in the same person. If someone has a healthy brain, age alone might be considered a definite asset,” concluded Ms. Denworth.
Read more: Scientific American
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