All of us have opinions about older people, and expectations - possibly fears - of our own ageing process. These may be formed from our own experiences and our relationships with older people, but are probably also affected by the many stereotypes which surround this issue.

Here are some examples of the kind of myths and misconceptions which exist about ageing and older people, and some facts which challenge some of our most commonly held beliefs and views.

Older people are unproductive and a burden on communities and societies - especially on a working younger population.
Most people - particularly in countries where there is not a comprehensive pension system - continue to work well into old age, supporting themselves and others. As well as the millions of older people who work for a wage, there are millions more who are unpaid workers - family and community leaders, carers of children and people who are ill, advisors, teachers, guardians of culture, volunteers ... In both paid and unpaid work their contribution is to the development process is vital.
Some older people do need support. Older people can join together with policy makers and others in their communities to work out the best way to meet the challenges of ageing. Old age starts at 60. 60 is generally the age at which governments and agencies start defining 'old age' but life expectancies are different in different in different places and there are many things which affect a person's ageing process. Some people may be 'old' at the age of 35, others are living full and productive lives after the age of 100. In many places people do not define their age in terms of how many years that have lived, but in terms of what they can do.

Older people are likely to be weak, frail, ill or disabled
Some physical conditions are more likely to occur in older people, but illness and disability are NOT inevitable in old age. Generally speaking, the healthier people are throughout their life span, the less likely they will be to suffer from chronic illnesses or disabling conditions as they grow older.

Older people are forgetful
The memory does change with age and older people may not remember things so fast, but the stereotype of older people being forgetful is inaccurate. There are many ways to adapt to changes in memory and many things can affect memory at any age, including stress, worry, depression or illness.

Older people are helpless and unable to make decisions about their own lives
When older people do need support they generally know better than anybody else what they need. It is only in exceptional circumstances that they will be unable to make a decision or offer an opinion on what is important to them (this is true of younger poeple too). As well as being able to make decisions about their own lives, older people's experience is also useful when planning activities for the whole community.

Older people do not fall in love or have sexual relationships
Everybody's feelings and emotions change throughout their lives, but feelings don't just stop because you grow older.

Older people don't enjoy their lives or have a good time
Are you planning to stop having a good time when you grow older?

Older people aren't able to learn new skills or absorb new information and they do not need education or training
Evidence suggests that older people are just as good at studying as anybody else, although they may be out of practice and may not always have the confidence in their own abilities. It is common for older people everywhere to want to learn new skills - either to help them improve their quality of life, or help them use their free time productively. The more skills and knowledge older people have, the more they will be able to contribute to their communities.

Older people are somehow different to the rest of the population
Older people are people who have lived for a long time. If we are lucky, we will all have the opportunity to grow old.

Expensive medical treatment is wasted on older people
Everybody is entitled to the best medical treatment their community can provide. If older people receive medical treatment, their quality of life is maintained and they are more able to continue contributing to their communities. They are also less likely to develop serious illnesses which may require more complicated and expensive treatments.