Certain persistent misconceptions about the abilities and characteristics of older people need to be seriously reexamined. Most people think of older people as unproductive, lonely, in poor health, pessimistic and ignored. In fact, most older people are stable, self-satisfied, less concerned about their health and general well-being, and significantly less lonely than others think.
More than two-thirds of the elderly live with their families, and the same number see at least one of their children every day.
They are smarter...
It is a mistake to think that human abilities and achievements are most developed in the early years of life and that they decline rapidly thereafter. It is a fact that creative productivity remains high in the later years of life, especially in areas such as mathematics, inventions, botany, humanities. In areas of abstract thinking, such as logic and philosophy, the potentially best years of life occur between 45 and 83. Deterioration of mental abilities is not inevitable in old age.
Intelligence tests show that older people achieve quite good results, even in mastering new tasks, especially if no one rushes them.
IllustrationInactivity is another fallacy. Research shows that people over the age of 60 spend less time passively entertained in front of the radio or television than those in their twenties.
Active
The opinion that sex life is no longer for the elderly is still firmly established. Research has proven that interest and ability to have sex does not necessarily disappear in advanced years. What is declining is sexual activity, but not necessarily due to indifference. A strong inhibiting factor is the attitude and opinion of other people (including the younger generation) and often the lack of privacy. They often get the impression that it is no longer for them.
IllustrationBetter workers
Many older people are excluded from employment for reasons that have nothing to do with their abilities. The next critical factor is the perception that older people are often absent from work, often sick. Official statistics, for example, in America, show that the presence of older workers in the workplace is as much as 20 percent better than their younger colleagues and that they experience fewer injuries at work.
Stereotypes and discrimination against the elderly should be reduced with the help of education of the general population and better, fairer legislation. Many developed countries introduce special employment programs for people over the age of 60 in the jobs of caring for abandoned children, beautifying parks, cities, etc.
IllustrationExperts point out that the elderly have some special talents to offer. For example, they may have a broader, less selfish view of local community work and are less likely to be driven by personal interests or ambitions.
Not to mention experience, skill and commitment to work.
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