Myths About Aging You Need to Forget – Part 2

by Aleta Pippin

Myth #3 You Will Become Crabby and Self-absorbed

Some people are just plain rude and as they get older, they use their age as an excuse to become even more biting in their remarks. You find yourself steering clear of them, don’t you? What about the person who goes on and on about the ache in their back, their sore feet, the pain in their head, their high blood pressure, etc. You probably don’t want to be around them, do you?

The truth is that you don’t have to become crabby and self-absorbed when you have something outside of yourself to focus on. What’s important to you? What would you like to accomplish? Spend time there.

Will you become crabby and self-absorbed? No. The truth is that you’re full of enthusiasm, which means enthused with spirit. You trust the natural order and progression of life.

Myth #4 Menopause Is an Illness

When I was about five years old I was with my aunt at a church rummage sale. I looked up and saw a woman with a thick black moustache. Yanking on Aunt Mil’s dress, I pointed my pudgy finger toward the woman exclaiming in a very loud voice, “Look – she has a moustache! Why does she have a moustache?”

“Ssshhh….we don’t talk about things like that,” was the response from Aunt Mil.

Why don’t we talk about things like that? Did your mother discuss menopause with you or was it one of those “forbidden” subjects, like the moustache? When I hit adolescence, my mother hit menopause. Not a pretty sight. There were times when I couldn’t do or say anything that didn’t set her off. Her doctor put her on Valium for a short time. Thank goodness we’ve transcended that mentality. Yet, it seems that the medical community is still treating menopause as an illness.

Is menopause an illness? No! It’s an opportunity for introspection and growth.

Myth #5 You’re Going to Lose Your Mind

Dementia is actually the result of other illnesses, many of which result from lifestyle choices. Some of the conditions that cause dementia are depression, drug reactions, thyroid, nutritional deficiencies, infections, and alcoholism. Most of those are treatable.

Is dementia your path? Not really. Less than 5% of the population under the age of 80 suffer from it. The truth about you is you are creative.

Myth #6  You’re No Longer Sexually Appealing

Sophia Loren said, “Sex appeal is 50% what you’ve got and 50% what people think you’ve got.” That sounds like attitude to me. Thank goodness, AARP recently did a sex survey that said we’re still going to be doing it into our later years. And yes, we’re still appealing to our partners.

Will you lose your sex appeal? No. The truth is that you are love.

Myth #7 Your Vitality Will Diminish

Forty-six percent of Americans worry about declining health in their older years. Here’s a tip – hang around with positive people. Surround yourself with people who care about you. Have something you care about. Be a contributor. When you feel as if you’re making a difference and that your life matters, you summon passion, which is life force.

As long as you’re focused on moving toward a desire, you will not lose vitality. The truth is that you are passionate.

Take these 7 Myths About Aging and forget every one of them because they do not have to become your reality. Go out there and participate in this wonderful experience we call life. And remember the truth about you – you are loving, wise, powerful, creative, enthusiastic, passionate and unlimited potential.

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Donna Henes is the author of The Queen of My Self: Stepping into Sovereignty in Midlife. She offers counseling and upbeat, practical and ceremonial guidance for individual women and groups who want to enjoy the fruits of an enriching, influential, purposeful, passionate, and powerful maturity. Consult the MIDLIFE MIDWIFE™

The Queen welcomes questions concerning all issues of interest to women in their mature years. Send your inquiries to thequeenofmyself@aol.com.