Older Adults Are Revealing The "Myths" About Aging That More People Should Know, And It's Unexpected

We recently asked the older adults of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us the myths and misconceptions about aging that more people should know. Here are the surprising results:

1. "The biggest surprise to me is that it is NOT always a slow, gradual process. Many people experience sudden aging that happens all at once in their 40s. Over three months, when I was 47, I suddenly had much less energy, my eyesight got worse, I started gaining weight, my libido decreased, and I had noticeable cognitive slowing."

"I went to the doctor thinking I had a brain tumor or something, and after tests, she told me, 'Nope, this is just how some people age.'"

—axj66

2. "Old dogs CAN learn new tricks! I just picked up my certificate of mastery of the Polish language, one of the most grammatically complex tongues (I started learning three years ago). I turn 62 in a couple of days."

—glitterysinger70

3. "You can get fit and lose weight if you want to; it just takes a bit longer to do it, that's all. You hear all the time growing up to 'enjoy it, keep working out, and your metabolism completely CRASHES when you hit 40!' Um, no. It does have to do with genetics and your overall lifestyle, of course, but your body doesn't just give out when you hit a certain age, nor should you give up on your body when you reach a certain age. You should always strive to care for yourself, but don't think it's impossible just because you're 40, 50, and beyond."

"My mom started yoga at 60 and is better than me now — her 40-year-old daughter who has been doing it for a long time, LOL. And my 62-year-old stepfather rides anywhere between 20–150 miles per week on his bike. Still rockin' it! So, don't think moving your body or getting in better shape stops at a certain age. You just have to be a bit more mindful and careful, and it takes a wee bit longer to get the momentum."

—wine_witch84

4. "Adulthood lasts a long time. I used to think you were a teen, then your 20s, and that 30s was the last decade before you were old. There is a whole, large window of just being an adult. Not old, not young — just grown."

—bayyc7

5. "I think that as we get older, we think that our children will be the ones to fill our lives. I'm learning that we must stick together as a population and find ways to visit or care for each other. We ignore the fact that most of us are in the same boat. Go visit someone older than you, talk about the past, and share memories with each other. They will listen and appreciate your struggles and enjoy your company."

—70, Minnesota

6. "I used to think that when you're older, you become more mature with a completely different way of thinking, but I discovered that you are basically the same person...just chronologically older."

—65+, Europe

7. "As a woman, I can say with conviction that being old has its social compensations for the loss of hotness. Wherever I go, I am treated with warmth, kindness, respect, and courtesy. If a man does me a small favor — for example, I'm short and need help retrieving items from high shelves — I no longer have to worry that he expects sex in return."

"I'm fortunate to be fit and healthy enough to enjoy this stage of my life. Just because I'm no longer alluring, that doesn't mean I'm treated as though I'm worthless."

—70, Oregon

8. "Just because you're old doesn't mean you have diminished mental capacity. Some older people are more capable, vibrant, and effective than younger people ever were. Age doesn't necessarily negatively affect cognitive function!"

—65, New Mexico

9. "You won't have time later to do the things you want, plain and simple. Do those things now. You pick up more responsibilities as you get older, and more things take up your time — the family grows, kids have appointments, etc. And even if you keep your life as simple as possible to free up time, that time will be spent by you because everything takes longer because you are older, more tired, not as fit, etc. So, take the time to enjoy things when you are younger."

"Travel while you still physically can, take a few risks while you're still young enough to be able to absorb the fallout. Because once you are older, your time is spoken for."

—48, USA

10. "The idea that we're constantly needing medication for every little thing. While it's true that most of us are on some sort of medication for a given medical condition, our entire daily life isn't built around medication schedules. That being said, as we've grown older, my circle of friends and I have realized that some of these issues (like high blood pressure) could have been better addressed in our younger days by simple lifestyle changes."

"Still, it grinds our gears at this age to see virtually every representation of 'old people' as those who have medication for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the midnight snack."

—78, USA

11. "I've learned that age only brings wisdom if you learn from your mistakes. My wife and I bought a home in Ohio about 20 years ago, only to have to replace every major appliance in the house and eventually declare bankruptcy. We learned to have a place inspected before moving in."

"Also, aging doesn't mean you can't exercise, socialize, and enjoy life."

—60, Texas

12. "Myth: That old people are tired of living and ready for their life's end. My mind is just the same as when I was in my 20s. My body is worn out, but I still have so much more living to do. I'm terrified of dying and actually have panic attacks thinking about it. I don't want to become nothing."

—48, USA

13. "People don't realize that they will be lucky to become old. So many of my friends are long gone before they even thought about aging."

—72, Arizona

14. "I am a boomer, and there are a lot of misconceptions floating around. Number one to me is that everybody thinks if you are old, you'll be hard of hearing; I have an acute sense of hearing and have always had it. Number two is that they think we all have poor vision because we're old. I have had 20/20 all of my life."

—magicalkid98

And finally...

15. "One myth I discovered that wasn't true is that your 20s and 30s are the best years of your life. Absolutely not! I was miserable as a young, married woman. I was self-conscious and depressed all the time. At 50, I don't care what others think, and I don't put up with toxic people. My life is so much better at this stage of my life."

"I've never been happier now that I'm divorced and at peace with my body. I have more money, too."

—50, Canada

Older adults, what are some other "myths" about aging that more people should know? Let us know in the comments below, or if you prefer to remain anonymous, feel free to use this Google form.

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.