Myth busting
Age is only a number! Don't let unhelpful thoughts hold you back in later life; it's time to change the way you think about ageing. Learn about longevity and bust some common ageing myths so you can stay happier and healthier for longer.
Common ageing myths
As you get older, it’s easy to think that you know everything there is to know about ageing and what it means for your life. But the truth about ageing might surprise you.
Did you know that how you think and feel about ageing has a huge impact on your health and independence?
We want to change conversations about getting older. By challenging some common ageing assumptions, you can stay healthy and independent for longer.
Let's bust a few myths so you can age your way!
A huge 75% is determined by your lifestyle choices. These choices include:
- Whether you exercise and how often
- If you prioritise good sleep
- What you eat and drink
- How much you engage with others and your local community
- How much you enjoy your home environment
- Whether you try new things or continue to learn
- How often you challenge your brain
With control over many of these lifestyle factors, you can influence how you age.
Read more about how to take control of your ageing.
Harvard scientists discovered that as you get older, the nerve cells in your brain grow longer and branch out more. This makes connections with distant parts of the brain stronger.
This means older people are able to make connections between different types of new information. It makes it easier to understand bigger ideas.
Getting older means you keep learning! Learn more about learning new things as you age.
Based on current statistics, 9% of Australians over 65 suffer from dementia. That means that 91% don't!
The top three ways to promote brain health and prevent decline, according to Neuroscience Research Australia, are:
- Regular physical activity and strength training
- Eating a healthy diet
- Keeping your brain active
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh found that personality traits keep changing.