We’ve all heard them. We may have even helped to perpetuate them – those old adages about aging that are limiting at best and can be downright damaging to our well-being after 60.

They’re deeply intrenched in our culture and difficult to dispel, but in order to have a healthy, productive, and active lifestyle we must try.

Here are a few popular ones we can toss out here and now.

Aging Means Slowing Down

It’s easy to believe, convenient even, to use aging as an excuse to lapse into a sedentary lifestyle. But thousands of seniors are disproving this myth every day.

Our daily newsfeed is filled with features of 60+-year-old swimmers, runners, yogis, gymnasts, and other athletes who serve as role models for those wishing to remain active.

Organizations like Growing Bolder highlight healthy and physically fit, older adults, some still competing in events such as the National Senior Games where they break records and set a shining example for others wishing to excel.

There’s plenty of real-world evidence to prove that with effort and a little discipline we can keep the pace and live longer in an active body.

Memory Loss Is Inevitable

Dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases are devastating conditions that steal memory and independence and require appropriate treatment. But there are ways to prolong good brain function and sustain memory as the years tick by.

The brain is not a muscle but functions quite like one as it thrives on activity. Brain games, learning a new language, creativity, social interaction, and a healthy diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants improve your chances to live longer with good brain function.

Sexual Desire Dries Up

Romance, passion, and sexual prowess are all things associated with youth, but they don’t have to be limited to our earlier years.

Many older adults are living healthy, sexually active, and engaged lives with romantic partners, and are even finding true love later in life. It’s all about being open and emotionally available. After all, weren’t we the generation that pioneered the sexual revolution? We can’t give it all up now!

Weight Gain Is a Normal Part of Aging

A less active lifestyle, changes in hormonal balance, and improper nutrition can result in weight gain as we age. Our bodies don’t metabolize calories as they once did, but that doesn’t mean we can’t remain fit and healthy and keep the weight off. It just takes a little more motivation and dedication.

Daily physical exercise like walking, biking, and swimming all burn calories. Yoga, weight training, and Pilates develop and maintain lean muscle mass which keeps us strong and increases metabolism. There is no limit to the available options, as highlighted in this long list from Vivehealth.com.

We’re Destined to End Up Lonely and Alone

Fear of how we will end up can haunt us and shake our confidence. But times have changed. Meeting interesting people, finding compatible company, and staying in touch with those we’ve known for years is now easier.

There are many online sites for finding long-distance friendships, meetups for group activities, and meeting a romantic partner or planning a fun date.

Social media serves as a free, convenient, and accessible way to stay connected. There are many options, but Facebook is leading the pack as a platform for the over 50 technology-savvy demographic with its user-friendly capacity for posting updates, photos, and videos, as well as a handy way to organize events.

So, let’s take aim at these common misrepresentations of what aging means and replace them with what is possible, as we move through our lives in a healthy, active, and meaningful way.

How do you bust the ageing myths? What other myths have you heard of? Please share with our community and leave a comment below.