Myth busting

Scientists have found that only 25% of our ageing journey is determined by our genetics. A huge 75% is determined by our lifestyle choices. These choices include:

• Whether we exercise and how often
• If we prioritise good sleep
• What we eat and drink
• How much we engage with others and our local community
• How much we enjoy our home environment
• Whether we try new things or continue learning
• Whether we challenge our brain often. 

Because we have control over some of these factors, we can influence how we age by making healthy choices every day. 

Scientists at Harvard Medical School found that the nerve cells in the human brain continue to increase and lengthen as we age. They branch out and connect with distant brain areas, which strengthens them. This means it's easier for older people to find relationships between different types of new information. This helps in understanding the broader implications of specific issues. We can learn a lot in later life!

Current statistics show that less than 7% of the Australian population aged over 65 years old suffers from some form of dementia. That means that 93% don't!

According to Neuroscience Research Australia, the top three ways to promote brain health and prevent decline are:

• Regular physical activity and strength training
• Eating a healthy diet
• Keeping your brain active. 

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh found that our personality traits are always shifting. It's common to believe ageing means deterioration and decline. But a gradual change in our personality as we age has some surprising upsides.

As we age, we become more conscientious and agreeable, as well as less neurotic. We become more altruistic and trusting. Willpower increases and we have a better sense of humour, as well as greater control over our emotions.

These findings suggest that the stereotype of older people being grumpy and set in their ways is a false one! You can do anything you put your mind to!  

You might believe that staying active and exercising could do more harm than good, especially if you have a chronic condition. But studies show that you have a lot more to gain by being active.

Inactivity as you age can mean losing the ability to do things on your own. Almost anyone, at any age, with most health conditions, can take part in some type of physical activity.

In fact, physical activity helps you:

• Manage some chronic conditions
• Improve balance and stability
• Prevent future falls
• Maintain independence.

There are many scientific studies that prove that staying healthy changes the chemicals in your brain and improves your mood.

Other benefits of making healthy choices include:

• Greater fitness
• More mobility
• Improved mental wellbeing
• Increased independence.

These benefits mean that healthy choices actually open the door to more fun, more often!

You can also choose how you want to be active and social. Pick activities that you enjoy and have fun while you feel the benefit of making healthy lifestyle choices.  

Studies show that Australians aged over 65 years old spend more than three hours a day browsing the internet. They are responsible for 20% of Australia’s total internet traffic.

According to the Australian Communication and Media Authority, in 2021, of all people over the age of 75 years old:

• 76% own a smartphone
• 41% use social media
• 81% use email.

There are over 3 million Facebook accounts in Australia that belong to people aged 65 and over and they're using them!