Debunking Common Stereotypes About Older Adults

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Common Mistakes About Older Adults in Victoria, BC

Senior stereotypes are pervasive in our culture. While caregivers have quite a bit to learn about seniors and the aging process, they should be able to tell the difference between myths and facts. Here are a few common stereotypes about seniors that have been debunked over the years. 

Seniors Don’t Need to Socialize

Socializing is vital at every age, and some studies show regular human interaction becomes more important in the golden years. One Canadian study published in Ageing and Society found that social and leisure activities are closely tied to a senior’s physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Seniors who don’t socialize with family members and peers tend to experience much higher rates of depression, dementia, and anxiety. 

For families living in Victoria, British Columbia, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Age-Related Health Problems Are Inevitable

Within the last few years, preventable ailments and disorders such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure have increased. While some age-related issues can’t be prevented, those who take care of themselves can evade many different problems. Seniors, caregivers, and doctors must continue working with one another to reinforce healthy habits among the senior population. 

The Elderly Lose Interest in Hobbies

Many people believe seniors tend to give up on their hobbies. Seniors sleep much less than younger adults and they have more free time. By focusing on hobbies such as gardening, cooking, and woodworking, older adults can slow age-related cognitive decline and enhance their quality of life. Seniors should be encouraged to learn and master new hobbies as often as possible. 

For many seniors in Vancouver, BC, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.

Aging Destroys Creativity

Many of the best artists in the world didn’t find their calling until they were well past the age of 65. When people no longer need to focus on a career or providing for a growing family, they can invest more time and energy into creative projects. Take the example of Ted Zuber from Montreal, who spent most of his life in the military. After retiring, Zuber learned to produce beautiful oil paintings that can now be found all over the world. 

Older Adults Can’t Change Their Beliefs

Contrary to what many people believe, seniors are quite capable of adapting to new situations and learning new skills. As their physical and mental health changes, seniors constantly look for inventive ways to make the most of their lives.

Due to aging, some seniors require assistance with daily activities. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same home care services. Victoria families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To create a high-quality care plan for your elderly loved one, call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at (250) 592-4881 today.

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