Here are some myths from Forbes about aging and Long Term Care that have been misunderstood:

1. Memory lapse are normal for older adults: When talking about memory loss it’s frequently associated with aging. Memory lapse are also experienced by younger adults as well. Having serious memory lapses as an older adult is not normal though. Not every memory loss is a sign of dementia. If there is a regular memory loss occurrence this is not just from aging.
2. The older you get the more you fall: Injuries from falling is one of the primary injuries for older adults. Risks from falling can be severe and should not be taken lightly. But falling is not a normal part of aging and can lead to serious risks. A good way to prevent falls is to make sure you have plenty of room around the house to move, to improve your strength and stability through working out, and to keep up with vision checks at the doctor
3. All older adults go to nursing homes: 4.5% of the population that are over the age of 65 are in a nursing home. Nursing homes are now operating at 85% capacity and there are not many new homes being built. The myth of older adults being forced to go to a nursing home because they are unloved or unwanted is not true.
4. Hospice is where people go until their last days: Studies have actually shown that patients who go to hospice are actually living longer and have a better quality of life than choosing a more aggressive option.
5. Antibiotics are the best drugs for older adults: Everyday antibiotics are prescribed to people all of the world that help them fight off bad infections. “For upper respiratory infections, such as sore throats, ear infections and colds, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, use saline nasal spray or drops and take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain or fever.” Doctors are trying to cut back on antibiotics so that our bodies will responds better to them instead of becoming use to the drugs we are being prescribed.