Myths About Getting Older
If you’re here, you might be thinking that since you’re past age 35, there are certain conditions that you will just have to deal with forever. I’m happy to dispel a few of the myths, and my wish would be that this article gives you a sense of hope and empowerment. (Later edit to this article: Here’s a link from the NIH about aging myths! https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/10-myths-about-aging?utm_source=nia-eblast&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=healthyaging-20220808&fbclid=IwAR30En88hs9E9Zp6yd2OmpdH2rDvsWzgunF2ywJM1WQ4GYYd7mG5PRQeDuo
Myth #1: Stress is inevitable and just gets worse as we get older.
All the nopes on this one. There are certainly demands that come with work, children, aging parents, etc., and mid-life is a demanding time. But when it gets to a point of overwhelm and self-care begins to suffer, there’s nothing inevitable about this. There is so much to learn about ways to handle stress differently that can come from health coaching! Even small changes in many areas (diet, exercise, meditation, play, social support) can all decrease stress without adding to the burden.
Myth #2: Pain is to be expected as we age.
Plain and simple. Pain. Is. Not. Natural. Sometimes we may have pain as the result of an injury, or as the result of a chronic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. We may also occasionally have flares (periods of increased pain, often precipitated by stress). But, there are countless stories of people reducing, eliminating, or managing pain just through diet and lifestyle changes. It’s not just a case of “someone else got the lucky genes.” We are not doomed to hurt.
Myth #3: We will gain weight as we age.
Again, just NO. Contrary to popular belief, weight gain is not inevitable as we age. Some habits may need to change, since metabolism does change as we age, but the weight gain is not inevitable. A health coach can help you lose the excess weight and come up with a plan that works for you regarding maintenance and accountability. All with compassion and helping you to be compassionate toward yourself!
Myth #4: I’ll sleep when I’m dead.
Allow me to be blunt. If you subscribe to this belief, chances are that all you’re doing is hastening that very death. Sleep deprivation is associated with just about any and every disease known to man. If you struggle with it, a health coach can help. The average person needs 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Few actually get it. Powering through is no badge of honor.
Myth #5: Dementia runs in my family. I’m going to get it.
In the words of Chris Kresser, “genes may load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger.” Just by addressing diet, sleep, stress, and physical activity, you can dramatically cut your risk of the gene for a disorder actually expressing itself. If you worry about your family history and want to have a sense of control over your destiny, a health coach can help!
