When we think about growing old, what myths and stereotypes come to mind? Our society frequently depicts aging as bad and the elderly as frail, forgetful, grouchy, inflexible, and unable to learn new things. But are these beliefs accurate?

For this discussion, choose one of the following myths about aging to explore:

• Older people are not interested in the world around them.
• Older people do not want or need close relationships.
• Older people make little contribution to society.
• As people get older, they get more set in their ways and will not change.
• Mental and physical deterioration are inevitable.
• Older people are not interested in sex or intimacy.
• Older people cannot make good decisions about important issues.
• Older people want to die.
• Older people are just not capable of learning new things like technology.

Now locate at least one research article in the Capella library that examines the myth you selected and respond to the following prompts:

• What do the research findings indicate about the accuracy of the myth?
• How could this research be used to change the way society perceives older people?
• How could this research be used to reshape social policies related to older people?