This Seniors Month, Southlake is focused on aging vibrantly and celebrating the many ways older adults continue to live active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
As part of that commitment, we’re shining a spotlight on members of Southlake’s geriatric care team and the important role nurse practitioners play in supporting older adults throughout their health care journey.
Nurse practitioners are highly skilled health care professionals who assess, diagnose, treat, prescribe medications, and help patients navigate complex health concerns. In geriatric care, they work closely with patients and families to support healthy aging, maintain independence, and enhance quality of life.
To help separate fact from fiction, Southlake’s geriatric nurse practitioners Cynthia Malins, Ciera Cook, and Yathusha Rameshshanker are sharing their insights on some of the most common myths about aging and what healthy aging can look like.
Myth: Memory loss is a normal part of aging
Reality: Some changes in memory can happen with age, but significant memory loss that affects daily life is not considered a normal part of aging.
“In my practice, I often hear people say, ‘I’m getting older, so my memory problems must be normal.’ While some changes in memory can occur with age, significant memory loss that interferes with daily activities is not considered a normal part of aging. It’s important to talk to a health care provider if concerns arise so we can better understand what’s happening and provide appropriate support.”
- Ciera Cook, Nurse Practitioner, Senior Care Program, Behavioural Support Team
What this means:
Occasionally forgetting a name or misplacing an item can be common. However, persistent memory concerns, confusion, or changes that affect day-to-day activities should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Myth: Falls are just part of getting older
Reality: Falls are common among older adults, but many can be prevented.
“A common misconception is that falls are simply part of getting older. In reality, many falls can be prevented. By addressing factors such as strength, balance, medications, vision, and home safety, we can help older adults maintain their confidence and independence.”
- Yathusha Rameshshanker, Nurse Practitioner, Aging Well Clinic
What this means:
Maintaining strength, balance, and mobility through regular physical activity, reviewing medications, and addressing vision concerns can all help reduce the risk of falls and support independence.
Myth: Older adults should avoid exercise to prevent injury
Reality: Regular physical activity is one of the most important ways to support healthy aging.
“It’s never too late to benefit from physical activity. Staying active can help improve strength, mobility, balance, mood, and overall health. I encourage older adults to focus on movement that is safe, enjoyable, and sustainable for them.”
- Cynthia Malins, Nurse Practitioner, Aging Well Clinic
What this means:
Appropriate exercise can help maintain strength, balance, flexibility, heart health, and overall well-being. It’s never too late to benefit from being active.
Myth: Feeling lonely or depressed is a normal part of aging
Reality: While life circumstances may change with age, loneliness and depression should not be considered inevitable.
“Social connection is an important part of healthy aging. While life circumstances may change over time, feeling isolated or depressed should not be viewed as an inevitable part of growing older. There are supports available, and reaching out is an important first step.”
- Yathusha Rameshshanker, Nurse Practitioner, Aging Well Clinic
What this means:
Maintaining social connections, participating in meaningful activities, and seeking support when needed are important components of healthy aging.
Myth: It’s too late to improve your health
Reality: Healthy habits can have a positive impact at any age.
“One of the most encouraging messages I share with patients is that positive changes can happen at any age. Small steps, whether it’s becoming more active, improving nutrition, staying socially engaged, or managing chronic conditions, can have a meaningful impact on health and well-being.”
- Cynthia Malins, Nurse Practitioner, Aging Well Clinic
What this means:
Whether it’s becoming more active, eating well, staying socially connected, managing chronic conditions, or learning new skills, small changes can contribute to better health and quality of life.
Aging looks different for everyone. Aging vibrantly is not about avoiding change. It’s staying engaged, maintaining independence where possible, and supporting health and well-being at every stage of life.
This Seniors Month, Southlake celebrates older adults and the many ways they continue to contribute, connect, learn, and thrive in our communities.
