Report busts ageing myths

A REPORT published by the Queensland Government tackles negative attitudes about older Queenslanders and sends a clear message that we just get better with age.
The report, titled Ageing: Myths and Realities, said older Australians might come across negative attitudes about ageing and might feel pressure to accept or adopt these stereotypes.
The report blamed a lack of knowledge as the major influence for negative stereotypes of the older population and said the reality was that a majority of seniors led healthy and active lives, and made significant contributions to their family and the community.
Over 14 common myths are busted in the report, ranging from perceived vulnerability to an inability to learn new things.
The report tackles economics and older people’s contribution to society head on, saying older people make a significant contribution to the economy, including spending $895 million on domestic travel annually, and with more time up their sleeves their unpaid work as carers and volunteers is valued at almost $39 billion per year.
Another common myth discussed in the report is about the health and wellness of seniors with the report saying the majority of older people are healthy and active, particularly those under 80 years of age. In 2003 only 5 per cent of people aged 60 and older were in hospitals or aged care homes.
No topic is off the table with the report busting open myths about older people’s ability to learn new things, saying there are increasing numbers of older people pursuing university studies while others attend informal classes through the University of the Third Age.
To check the report out for yourself head to www.qld.gov.au/seniors.