06It’s probably fair to say that most people aren’t excited about theprospect of aging. Continuing living — yes. Dealing with the health and other problems that accompany getting old — no. Now it’s true that each passing year can present the opportunity for a new challenge, but aging also gets a large amount of bad press. So much in fact that some of it can be exaggerated and overblown. Let’s spend some time and dispel five of the most common myths about aging.

1. Old Age = Senility

The notion that the elderly are unable to think for themselves and constantly forgetting the most mundane things is a bad and unfair caricature. In reality, senility only strikes 5% of Americans, so the odds are in your favor. With a little Nature’s Bounty ... Buy New $19.00 ($0.08 / Count) (as of 11:15 UTC - Details) prudence, a lot of age-related declines in mental function can be avoided.

Scientists from Tufts University conducted a review and discovered that vitamin deficiencies — not brain decay — were responsible for many of the symptoms of senility.

According to the review, scientists discovered that low folate levels in the elderly can cause forgetfulness and even depression. Vitamin B6, required for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, may contribute to peripheral neuropathy, a disorder of the nervous system that causes numbness and tingling in the legs. Vitamin B12 ensures nerves are protected with a myelin sheath and mood disturbances can occur when levels fall well below normal.

The unsettling thing about nutrient deficiencies is that they’re often overlooked. In fact, an older individual can be lacking in certain vitamins for years without dramatic signs of a deficiency. How many people are slowly decaying simply as a result of a very fixable nutrient deficiency? Mental symptoms may not show up immediately, and even usual blood tests are not always reliable. ^[1]

2. I Don’t Need to Change My Eating Habits

Philips Sonicare Essen... Buy New $64.90 (as of 08:55 UTC - Details) Perhaps one of the biggest myths about maintaining good health through the aging process is that nutritional needs stay the same. Every age range has different nutritional needs, and the elderly are no exception.

Experts are still arguing about if diet truly needs change with age; however, it is true that a good, sound diet with plenty of raw vegetation is ideal. Still, it’s estimated up to 40% of independent elderly are deficient in a wide range of nutrients for multiple reasons. Chronic illness, both mental and physical, can contribute to nutritional issues and deficiencies. Various medications can also impair nutrient availability or discourage eating due to appetite loss. Even ill-fitting dentures can be painful enough to prevent a person from eating. Elderly who live alone may feel isolated and may even forget to eat due to a lack of social cues.

But even if you are healthy during old age, aging itself generally alters metabolism and physiology. Stomach acid usually declines, thus affecting some nutrient absorption —especially B12. Aging also dampens the body’s appetite center and it’s Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C... Buy New $32.95 (as of 10:05 UTC - Details) suspected that an older palate doesn’t detect those tastes that drive us to the dinner table, namely salt and sweet. ^[2]

3. I’ll Lose All My Teeth As I Get Old

If you’re not worried about losing your mental capabilities when you grow older, then perhaps you’re concerned about losing your teeth. Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is the primary cause of tooth loss in older adults. It typically starts as gingivitis, which affects many people, regardless of age.

A New England Elders Dental Study even cited periodontal disease rates as high as 75%. The problem, however, wasn’t unavoidable decline in oral health, but rather that education and dental care was being overlooked. ^[3] In other words, simple neglect.

Proper dental hygiene and regular cleanings are usually enough to stave off this problem. Brush your teeth and don’t hang on to your toothbrush like it’s a family heirloom. You should replace toothbrushes every two weeks; those with extra oral concerns, more. ^[4]

It’s usually an overlooked item, but a healthy immune system is also important. What many don’t realize is that a suppressed immune system goes hand in hand with rapid progression of periodontal disease. A Midwestern research group found cigarette smoking was one habit that decreased immunity and sabotaged periodontitis treatment. ^[5] Poor eating habits, stress, and other immunosuppressants can be just as damaging.

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