Is it true that the older you get the more senile you are?

Question

We got this "interesting-read" handout in class today about the elderly... It was funny because we took hand-votes in class and the majority of the class always voted "True" for each statement! and I don't know...maybe they're right? If you're an older person and can disprove any of these statements, go for it! (I read it to my mom and she just laughed :))

1. Older people are less productive than young people.
2. Stress is more prevalent among the elderly than other age groups.
3. The quality of health care available to older people is generally better than that available to others.
4. Sexual desire and activity in old age gradually declines.
5. People in retirement are generally well off and receiving adequate benefits from the government.
6. As people move into older ages, it is more likely that men willbe left alone.
7. The elderly almost inevitably become senile and slow-witted.
8. As people age they become more rigid and inflexible.

Answer 1

I was given a handout just like this one time in Geriatrics when studying nursing. They are all false.
1. Older people just as productive if not more productive based on their capability level.
2. Stress is less prevalent in geriatrics as they have lived a long time and have learned how to deal with stress and from past lessons.
3. Geriatrics one of the most neglected group of people in healthcare.
4. I have a 89 yr old pt who comes to the clinic once a month to get free samples of viagra--probably the most popular guy in the retirement home, I know he's single.
5. Most geriatrics have to choose between buying Rx vs what setting they can keep thermostat on in winter and summer and be comfortable.
6. Women have a longer life expectancy.
7. False, false, false. True for some, but not all.
8. People's personalities generally do not change over time (outside of mental illnesses). If they are nice and sweet as a young adult, the same is true when they become older.

I originally answered true to some of these questions when I first given them, but after finishing that class, I could see the errors in my thoughts at the time. This helps you understand why stereotypes are wrong/not fair.

Answer 2

I think so but that little hand out in class..... only #7 is relevant to the question asked.

I am hard pressed to believe that all of the "trues" in class are accurate.

Especially #2, for me at least. What elderly person do you know that stresses? All of the ones I know are like "whatever" because they truly feel that they have earned the right to do, say and act however I want because of all of the time I acted like I had some sense. Even if it is unspoken, they generally really don't care what people think anymore. Hence, the term a second childhood.

They can be as broke or sick as they day is long but there is a wherewithal in them that I truly admire. I love that in them and can't wait until it is my turn. I am going to be a randomly eccentric as I can possibly be! Laughing like a loon at the looks and mouths hanging agape.

The one thing I have noticed is that the older people get the less they can tolerate their children and that is just a hoot.

Maybe I am twisted but the elderly are my favorite group of people. Try hanging out with one for a while, it will become a habit.

Disclaimer: In no way am I referring to the symptoms of full blown dementia or Alzheimer's because there is nothing sadder that I have been in the presence of. RIP VH.

Answer 3

I can't deny these as an old person, but as a young one, I can at least challenge some of them.

1. Older people are less productive than young people.
All depends on the person. Yeah, some older people do nothing but sit around all day, but my grandmother worked every day until the day she died. My grandfather routinely takes care of our yard and fixes things around the house while I laze about and do nothing.

2. Stress is more prevalent among the elderly than other age groups.
If that's so, why is the teen suicide rate the highest of any age group?

3. The quality of health care available to older people is generally better than that available to others.
Untrue. Elderly people are frequently shoved aside into nursing homes that mistreat and abuse them. Most people think of it like, if they have the choice between saving a young person who has their whole life in front of them, or an elderly person who's already lived their life, choose the young person.

4. Sexual desire and activity in old age gradually declines.
You do NOT want to hear some of the stories my friend Ben tells about his grandfather.

5. People in retirement are generally well off and receiving adequate benefits from the government.
Sometimes. Sometimes not.

6. As people move into older ages, it is more likely that men willbe left alone.
Actually, statistically, men die younger than women, so women are more often left alone.

7. The elderly almost inevitably become senile and slow-witted.
Depends. Some people do. Some people don't. The lady across the street from me? Smart as a whip and going on ninety two.

8. As people age they become more rigid and inflexible.
Again, it depends. Some people do become ornery and stubborn, but just as many people become lovely sweet old grannies.


Most of these were generalizations. So while yes, they may be true for some people, they are not true for all people.

Answer 4

well, like anything that seeks to reduce a population, issue or group to 8 "rules" you'll find a mix of myth, truth, half truths and lies.

How about you write the "rules" for teens or 20 somethings? Since humans have a capacity for a large range of normal you might find all eight statements apply to someone who is older (what qualifies as older I might ask, being 50...) and on the other hand, someone of the very same age who fits none of the statements above. So what is "true"? you and your classmates answered "true" based on your perceptions/experience with "old" people. I think this only strengthens stereotypes and creates breaches and generational misunderstanding. I have friends who are in their 20's and others who are in their 70's. Each contributor does their own thing in their own way without age being a factor.

Answer 5

You raise a lot of good points, but you left out the most important one. McCain has promised a repeat performance of the Bush administration. This country has endured enough inflation, recession, and deficit spending over the past 7+ years. We don't need 4-8 more years of fiscal irresponsibility. It would, also, be good to have a President who won't trash the Constitution the way that Bush has. Obama may not be the savior that people make him out to be, but , at least, he's not a "business as usual" Conservative.

Answer 6

1. NO!! Just know how to manage their time and put the importance on things that matter.
2. Yes! Because if they haven't planned ahead the everyday bills can get to them.
3. yes, we need their wisdom.
4. No the desire is still there, but the mechanics have faded.
5. NO! I would hate to retire with my medical needs right now.
6. Not necessarily....
7. Yes, things do slow down. Although don't ask my grandma.
8. Yes, it is harder to adjust to new situations. I am not THAT old but still find it difficult to fathom Pluto not being a planet.

Answer 7

1. "nonsense" ... a subjective question.
Elderly people have "done their thing" and have had a lifetime of experiences to "sort things out" and realize and establish their own priorities as to "what" is productive from their own point of veiw. "If" per chance and old person decides that the "worldly veiw" of producing is "their bag" then they produce until they die, more so than the average person that "retires" so to speak, but in most elderly their is no "true retirment" just more refined interests that don't usually produce "products" for sale, which by the way seems to make them "outcasts" in society. Strange huh ? Do you like the world you live in ? It's values ?

2. That's up to each individual, some have wisdom, and know there are things they can't change and accept that, those who don't "stress" out and lead a pretty miserable existence instead of leaving the matter to a higher power.

3. "Bull" , Bull, Bull .
4. An individual trait
5. Bull, bull, bull.
6. I've only seen widows mainly as far as longevity, if you
mean "abandoned" by family or society I would say men
are more "left alone".
7. slower and more purposefull, bodies ache and can't do as
well as youth, technology and keeping up with it doesn't
usually interest someone near lifes end as they grasp "the
whole matter of their existence, they think on deeper
issues like wher may i be tomorrow ? and
unfortunately "often" on regret.

8. Certainly, they have established thier values and it has
taken them a lifetime to do so, they hold firm to their beliefs
and are not easily as swayed by the influence of peer
groups.

Answer 8

What a bunch of propaganda bullcrap!

What is your teacher 19?

What older person, or anyone rapidly approaching old age for that matter.

WOULD say this with any conviction?

How weird...

My mother is in her 70's

She can out do most people I know physically, spiritually and mentally.

Aparently having been put through the ringer doesn't always squeeze the life out of you.

Your teacher is, in my opinion... an idiot!

Answer 9

I think most of these statements are false like #1, 2, 7, 8 and the other ones I am not sure about.

Answer 10

No to all of them. your still the same person you were when you were 16, only older, stop believing that stuff, because if your lucky, you will find out for yourself.