In May, on the Rudolphina podcast An der Quelle, Jana Nikitin spoke about the clichés and prejudices that widely shape perceptions of ageing. She pointed out even then that research paints a nuanced picture of ageing, showing not only health limitations but also improved well-being, greater life satisfaction and enhanced personality.
In the book Die sieben Mythen des Alterns (The Seven Myths of Ageing), which is due to be published on 13 July, Nikitin, together with Christina Ristl, describes in an accessible and scientifically sound manner what actually happens as we age and how we can develop a realistic understanding of our own ageing process.
It is important to recognise the positive developments that come with ageing as well. As Nikitin said in the podcast: “I am moving towards the image I have of old age. If that is a negative image, then I am moving towards that negative image.”