"You can't teach an old dog new tricks!" Do you believe that saying?
How about "Depression is normal in the older population"? Not so sure? Well, toss that myth out too.
Now what about "An expected part of normal aging is memory loss"? Wrong again!
Have you noticed how many misconceptions we have about seniors? Even seniors themselves have them! Fact is, the over 50 crowd is generally vibrant, emotionally healthy, and eager to learn new skills. They are more, not less, adaptable than the younger crowd.
So - who is this person telling me this good news? A what ? A psychologist?? But seniors don't go to those shrinks! Whoops...another myth.
Actually, psychologists love working with seniors. After all, they have the advantage of perspective and experience. And seniors don't waste time - they get to the heart of matters and want to get going!
Everyone wants to age gracefully and with optimal health, both physically and emotionally. But no one remembered to write the instruction manual! And those we often turn to, researchers, have largely ignored the senior population.
Well, folks, watch how that changes in these coming years. You are in the fastest growing age group in this country. We'll be seeing lots more about promoting wellness for all age groups, including seniors.
And seniors may be the ones to speak up about the quality of our health care. It was a senior who shared this reflection on the managed care system. "Have you heard the one about the attorney at the gates of heaven....", he asked.
Seems this attorney was really worried about getting through the pearly gates. After all, he hadn't lived the totally virtuous life. But when he gets there, St. Peter says "No problem, go right in, you're welcome here for eternity".
But his worry was nothing compared to the counterfeiter who was approaching the gates. He thought for sure he'd be turned away. But surprisingly, St. Peter also welcomed him and assured him he had in fact been waiting for his arrival, and that he too had a place reserved in eternity. "Wow, talk about forgiveness and tolerance", the counterfeiter thought.
A third man had worked as a manager for an HMO health plan. He approached the gates, and St. Peter carefully looked up his name on his list. "Ah...yes, here's your name -we've been waiting for you too", he said, "Welcome, and enjoy yourself. But there is one little restriction here next to your name - looks like I'm only authorized to let you stay three days!"
Dr. Moore is a licensed psychologist and Founder and Director of Fall Creek Associates. She is President of the Sacramento Psychological Association, adjunct faculty member in the School of Psychology at the Fielding Graduate Institute, teaches classes through The Learning Exchange, and frequently appear as a guest on public service programs having to do with psychology and emotional wellness. She has also written a newspaper column called Senior Wellness, which focuses on general psychology topics as well as those of special interest to senior readers. In addition to working with private clients, she welcomes the opportunity to disseminate information on psychology and mental health issues to the general public through her PsychPages website.
