* Gerontology - study of aging and the problems of the old.

* Geriatric care - care provided to elderly individuals.

Myth 1: Most elderly individuals are cared for in institutions

Myth 2: Anyone over a certain set age is "old"

Myth 3: Elderly people are incompetent & incapable of making own decisions

Myth 4: All elderly people live in poverty

Myth 5: Older people are unhappy and lonely

Myth 6: Elderly individuals do not want to work

Myth 7: Retired people are bored and have nothing to do with their lives

1900 - most individuals died before 60, and there were only 3.1 million people older than 65 in the US.

2000 - there were 39 million people older than 65 and today most individuals can expect to live into their 70's.

What does this tell us?

* Most changes are gradual and take place over a long period

* Rate and degree of change varies among individuals

* Factors such as disease can increase the speed and degree of changes

* Lifestyle, nutrition, economic status, social environment, and access to medical care can also have effects

"Most physical changes of aging involve a decrease in body function. If an individual can recognize these changes as a normal part of aging, the individual can usually learn to adapt and cope with the changes."