Myth busting

Scientists have found that genetics determines only 25% of our ageing journey.

A huge 75% is determined by our lifestyle choices. These choices include:

• Whether we exercise and how often

• If we prioritise good sleep

• What we eat and drink

• How much we engage with others and our local community

• How much we enjoy our home environment

• Whether we try new things or continue to learn

• How often we challenge our brain 

With control over many of these lifestyle factors, you can influence how you age.

Harvard scientists discovered that as we get older, the nerve cells in our brains grow longer and branch out more. This makes connections with distant parts of the brain stronger. This means older people are able to make connections between different types of new information. This makes it easier to understand bigger ideas. Getting older means we keep learning!

Based on current statistics, 9% of Australians over 65 suffer from dementia. That means that 91% don't! 

The top three ways to promote brain health and prevent decline, according to Neuroscience Research Australia, are:

• Regular physical activity and strength training
• Eating a healthy diet
• Keeping your brain active

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh found that our personality traits keep changing. Many people think getting older means getting worse, but actually, as we age, our personalities shift gradually. This can have some unexpected advantages.

As we age, we become more conscientious and agreeable, less neurotic, and more empathetic and trusting. Our willpower increases, we have a better sense of humour, and we have greater control over our emotions.

These findings suggest that the stereotype of older people being grumpy and set in their ways is a false one! You can do anything you put your mind to!  

You might think that the older you get, the less exercise you should do. Especially if you have a chronic condition. 

But studies show that you have a lot more to gain by being active.

Inactivity as you age can lead to a loss of independence. Physical activity is accessible to most people, regardless of age or health condition.

In fact, physical activity helps you:

• Manage some chronic conditions
• Improve balance and stability
• Prevent future falls
• Maintain independence

A number of studies have shown that staying healthy changes the chemicals in your brain and improves your mood. And the positive effects don’t stop there.

Other benefits of making healthy choices include:

• Greater fitness
• More mobility
• Improved mental health
• Increased independence

That means healthier choices can actually lead to more fun, more often!

You get to choose how to be social and active. Pick activities that you enjoy and have some fun! It’s all about feeling the benefits of making healthy lifestyle choices.

As technology continues to improve, maintaining relationships has never been easier.

But, as helpful as technology can be, it can also be hard to use. Fear not! There are lots of free community classes that can teach you how to use a computer or smartphone. The best place to check for available classes is your local library. If you can’t find a class, you can always ask a friend, family member, or neighbour to help you.

Would you like to make new friends? There are plenty of ways you can meet and connect with new people regardless of your age.  Try joining a local group or attending an event about things you're passionate about. You can take the LiveUp quiz to find activities near you.

Do you think only young people use the Internet? The statistics might surprise you. Studies show that Australians over 65 spend more than three hours a day browsing the internet. They're responsible for 20% of Australia’s total internet traffic.

According to the Australian Communication and Media Authority, here's what people over 75 are up to:

• 76% own a smartphone
• 41% use social media
• 81% use email

In Australia, over 3 million people aged 65 and up have Facebook accounts, and they're pretty active on them!