Busted: Six Myths About Ageing

Anne Tergesen, the Wall Street Journal’s retirement columnist, has created a list of myths and stereotypes commonly associated ageing and busted them all! Diving into extensive research, Tergesen put together an article titled ‘Why Everything You Think About Ageing May Be Wrong.'

Here are her six myths:

1. Exercise – the more the better  

Contrary to what many people believe, intensive workouts are not always as beneficial as they seem. Tergesen references the Copenhagen City Heart Study, where runners lived on average six years longer than non-runners. But, people who ran fast more than four hours a week cancelled out those longevity benefits. It’s been proven that those who jogged at a moderate pace for just one or two hours a week, with a couple of days off, performed the best. Slow & steady is the key!

2. Young people have the corner on creativity

When it comes to innovation and imagination, creativity has been seen to peak in our 20s and 30s. However, David Galenson from the University of Chicago found in his research that over 300 famous artists, poets and novelists created some of their best work later in life.

3. Our brainpower will decline – it’s inevitable

Several recent studies have offered a number of new ways of thinking about cognitive decline – human brains don’t become decrepit, they’re just getting crammed with information! Older brains are great at finding new ways to keep learning and growing. Tergeson says that the kinds of tests used to evaluate cognitive functioning are not the best indicators of real-world performance. Older people tend to perform better in the real world because in life, we bring our experience to bear on learning and problem solving. Learning new skills and getting out of your comfort zone are great ways to help you stay sharp! 

4. We’re no longer worth hiring

Studies have shown that the idea people aged over 55 are less adaptable and productive is pure stereotype. In jobs where experience matters, older workers often have more value than younger workers.  

5. We’re going to get lonely

Our social circles certainly get smaller as we age, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we have to be lonely. Several academic studies have shown that friendships often improve with age. We tend to develop deeper and more meaningful relationships later in life. 

6. Grouchiness comes with the territory

A number of studies have shown that 90% of us grow less depressed and more accepting of life’s ups and downs as we age.