Title: 10 Stereotypes About Aging (That Just Aren't True) | HowStuffWorks
Headings: 10 Stereotypes About Aging (That Just Aren't True)
10 Stereotypes About Aging (That Just Aren't True)
10: Older People Aren't Interested in the Outside World
Our Shared Human Condition
9: Older People Don't Want or Need Close Relationships
8: Older People Contribute Little to Society
Do less-industrialized societies treat the elderly better?
7: As You Get Older, You Get More Set in Your Ways
Are all old people are the same?
6: Mental and Physical Deterioration Are Inevitable in Old Age
5: Older People Are Comfortable Financially
4: Older People Aren't Interested in Sex or Intimacy
3: Older People Can't Make Good Decisions about Important Issues
2: Older People Want to Die
1: Science Has Answered All Our Questions about Aging

Content: His mother may see it as losing her home and independence, and being tied down with babysitting. On the other hand, the 40-year-old and the 75-year-old might find a lot of common ground -- they'll never know until they sit down and talk about it. Over the next 10 pages, we'll try to clarify some of the misconceptions surrounding aging. Our first stereotype looks at what retiring means for today's older adults. Contents
Older People Aren't Interested in the Outside World
Older People Don't Want or Need Close Relationships
Older People Contribute Little to Society
As You Get Older, You Get More Set in Your Ways
Mental and Physical Deterioration Are Inevitable in Old Age
Older People Are Comfortable Financially
Older People Aren't Interested in Sex or Intimacy
Older People Can't Make Good Decisions about Important Issues
Older People Want to Die
Science Has Answered All Our Questions about Aging
10: Older People Aren't Interested in the Outside World
Far from the stereotypical image of being technophobic, sedentary TV watchers, today's older adults are taking advantage of opportunities to stay mentally and physically engaged. For example, in 2010 alone, almost 100,000 people explored international cultures through Elderhostel, an organization that offers enriching travel and educational programs for older adults throughout the world [source: Elderhostel ]. And many seniors take part in continuing education programs: The Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, a network of educational programs designed for learners ages 50 and up, has locations in close to 120 campuses throughout the United States [source: