Community Matters The Glen at Aberdeen Heights
June 2015
10 myths about aging, debunked By Pamela Blair for Next Avenue
Do we still buy into some outdated myths that life after 50 is the beginning of our decline? Living passionately and well doesn’t stop at a certain point in one’s life followed by the destructive forces of aging. To age successfully, we need to be aware of the myths about aging that our culture holds true. Here are 10 examples of the myths: #1 Myth: Old women are depressed and lonely. Truth: Depending on circumstances, we may get sad and lonely from time to time, but the research shows that the least lonely and depressed women are over 75. #2 Myth: Older women are less successful in new pursuits. Truth: Some of the best and brightest women, though past the half-century mark in years, are still climbing the ladder of success in the world.
Congratulations to us! The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced new rankings under a strengthened five-star system by which to judge nursing homes.
#3 Myth: Older women have more stress in their lives.
Three nursing homes from the area, Aberdeen Heights in Kirkwood, Alton Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Wing in Alton, Illinois and Gateway Regional Medical Center Skilled Nursing in Granite City, Illinois, received perfect scores across the board. That means they received a five star overall rating and five stars in each of the three categories included: health inspections, staffing and quality inspections.
Truth: According to psychologists, older women have more stress-free days than younger ones.
In appreciation to staff for a job well done, Aberdeen Heights 5 star pins were passed out to staff by Executive Director Jamie Kneen and Associate Executive Director Marty Schenk.
MYTHS, continued on back
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MYTHS, continued from front
#4 Myth: Growing older is synonymous with the loss of meaning and purpose. Truth: Research and the elderly themselves are demonstrating that one’s later years can be the richest ever in wisdom and spirituality.
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Heights by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at: PresbyterianManors.org. James “Jamie” Kneen, executive director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Loretta Cutler, health care lifestyle coordinator, lcutler@pmma.org. Telephone: 314-909-6010 Address: 505 Couch Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
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Community Matters June 2015
#5 Myth: If you are older and reminiscing about the past or are becoming garrulous about the past, you are exhibiting signs of senility. Truth: These recollections are natural and appropriate, and their purpose is to resolve conflicts of life and to do a life review. #6 Myth: The older you get, the faster time passes.
Truth: Even though we’re older and wiser, we don’t necessarily know everything and are OK with that. #8 Myth: Older women are weak and have to be protected. Truth: Once the protector myth is conquered, women become whole and authentic. We know that if we accept a limiting role, we violate ourself. #9 Myth: Creativity is only for the gifted few and our talents dim with age. Truth: Creativity is not just for geniuses and the gifted. It is the energy that allows us to express ourselves in unique ways; it enables us to view life as an opportunity for exploration and it knows no age.
Truth: Mathematically, those proverbial endless summers of your childhood were not even one minute longer than last summer.You have more routines now and routines lend uniformity, which makes it very easy to be oblivious to time.
#10 Myth: All old women are physically passionless and have no interest in being sexual.
#7 Myth: Everyone wants to, and should be willing to, hear our wisdom and opinions just because we are older.
What myths are you ready to examine in your own life?
Truth: Many older women continue to be passionate about life and maintain an interest in sex.
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