Aug 12, 2024

Debunking 5 myths around aging

Debunking 5 myths around aging
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Lauren Snedeker, the Coordinator for the Aging & Health Certificate Program at Rutgers School of Social Work, is dedicated to challenging misconceptions about aging. Rutgers University’s School of Social Work offers a Master’s certificate in Social Work in Aging and Health, allowing students to focus on aging, health, and experience fieldwork in aging-related settings.

“We are really interested and dedicated to debunking the myths around aging and connecting with more agencies that service older adults that one wouldn’t associate with aging,” said Snedeker.

Challenging Stereotypes in Aging

One striking example Snedeker shared is that the aging population includes not only the general public but also those in prison, the homeless, and individuals affected by substance abuse or the opioid epidemic. These communities are not immune to the challenges of aging.

“These fields are not exclusive to younger people, and if we are living longer, we are living with all of our stuff!” said Snedeker.

Snedeker’s academic team aims to expose students to a wide range of environments where aging impacts individuals—not just in senior homes and hospitals. This holistic approach is essential for understanding the full scope of aging in society.

5 Aging Myths That Need to Be Debunked

  1. Depression is a normal part of aging: While depression can occur as we age, it doesn’t mean that all older people are depressed. Many are living healthy, happy, and active lives.
  2. Social work with older adults means only working in nursing homes, assisted living, hospitals, or hospice: Older adults are active in many other areas of life, including volunteering, participating in events, and engaging with family and friends.
  3. It is normal to end up in a care setting, and it is not a big change: Transitioning to a care setting is a significant life change that can be challenging. People may go from being in control of their lives to needing assistance, which can be a difficult adjustment.
  4. Working with older adults is anxiety-inducing: While working with older adults can bring challenges, it can also be an enriching, fun, and fulfilling experience.
  5. Working with older adults focuses on what’s wrong: While addressing deficits is important, it’s equally vital to focus on strengths, resilience, and positive experiences that older adults bring to the table.

Engagement and Learning Through GetSetUp

After years of working with older adults, Snedeker knows firsthand that this work can be fun and engaging. One of her favorite experiences was working at a senior center where they held discussions on various topics, including relationships and intimacy in later life.

“One talk was about sex after 60. We were reading a book (not 50 Shades of Grey, another book), and the book and our conversation helped these women be seen as human beings and not just older adults.”

GetSetUp plays a crucial role in creating these positive opportunities for engagement. By offering economic and learning opportunities, GetSetUp empowers seniors to teach their peers technology, use online tools, and develop skills that help them stay connected.

Supporting an Aging Population: The Role of GetSetUp

As the baby boomer generation continues to age, they bring with them diverse experiences and needs. From civil rights pioneers to those living in multi-generational homes, this demographic is far from monolithic. Communities like GetSetUp, Everything Zoomer, Sixty and Me, and Boomer Cafe are rising to address these positive aspects of aging, offering platforms for continued learning, connection, and empowerment.

By focusing on confidence, empowerment, and learning, GetSetUp helps older adults navigate the challenges of aging while staying engaged and connected to their communities.