The fear of getting old connects with other fears associated with the mystery of time. And it is that, there are circumstances before which the human being has the capacity to influence, however, nobody can stop the clock. In turn, time also makes us aware of the finiteness of life. And although death can occur in any life cycle, by law of life, it is in old age when this moment occurs. Therefore, the fear of the passing of the years also leads to an inner dialogue around the mystery of life and death. Why am I afraid of getting old and how to overcome it? In Psychology-Online we reflect on this question to give you ideas of a proactive attitude with which to position yourself with a new look at this situation.
If you have ever wondered why you are afraid of aging, deep down, it is because there are a series of causes associated with this fear that are making you live in a worried way. This situation can occur from different factors that we analyze below.
1. Loneliness
The loneliness It is an experience that can occur at any time in life, however, it is in the elderly when this factor is even more present when thinking of all the people that the protagonist has fired on his previous path as a result of friends and loved ones already deceased. The weight of the goodbyes leaves a void. Many older people are at this time when childhood and youth memories are most present.
2. Fear of the unknown
A young person can observe the example of older people in society, however, he does not know internally how life changes over the years. It is this ignorance that can cause fear of aging due to everything that is seen as a loss.
3. Appearance of wrinkles
The aesthetic aspect is not a superficial question since it is positive that a person feels good about himself always from the realism of an image according to age. The years have a visible effect on the skin and this makes the person feel that they have left behind forever the sweet taste of youth.
4. Little future and much past
Although time is not a material property, it can happen that a person experiences the sadness of projecting a very short potential period of time compared to the long road traveled. Time is an important resource in life since thanks to it it is possible to fulfill dreams, goals and purposes. Fear of aging can also connect with fear of missed opportunities.
5. Loss of autonomy and dependence
A situation that can occur from a worsening in the health of that person who needs the support of someone outside to carry out daily tasks.
It is important that, at all stages of our lives, we feel comfortable and live to the fullest. Each period has something special to live and something different that did not exist in the rest of your life. So instead of seeing growth as a negative, try to see it as a positive, as a constant growth, not only externally but, above all, internally.
1. Intergenerational friendship
The best way to break with the stereotypes associated with age is interpersonal knowledge through friendship bonds in which age takes a back seat. Two people with some common affinity or interest can feel very close on an emotional level despite the age difference.
2. Volunteering with the elderly
An experience of solidarity and hope is one that those volunteers who carry out some activity in collaboration with an entity that offers constant care to people of the third age. You can enjoy this type of experience through different formulas. For example, through visiting an elderly person who lives alone. Or, also, through the literary experience of taking library books to seniors who are home alone and enjoy this home loan service.
3. Admiration
We live in a society that does not grant the desired prominence to older people, who are undoubtedly worthy of admiration. You just have to observe the example of many retirees who dedicate a good part of their weekly time to solidarity activities, others decide to return to the university to study, other people are an example of optimism and vitality, some older people enjoy tourism, while others take care of their grandchildren. Other older people suffer from some kind of age-related difficulty, however, they accept their situation with resilience. Try to personalize these examples through specific cases that you can observe in your environment.
4. Bring your mind to the present
As much as a person worries about the fear of aging, in reality, this process is gradual and occurs completely naturally. Therefore, the aging process is not something that will happen permanently in the future, but the change is also happening right now. See the bright side of aging. For example, you can value the now.
5. Change of beliefs
Old age is a period of life in which situations as beautiful as those of youth can occur. For example, falling in love, friendship, the enjoyment of routine or rest. However, when a person thinks from the fear of aging, they usually only look at possible emotional ghosts. From now on, embed this vision in your mind as well.
Although the fear of the passage of time can condition a human being, in reality, aging is a deep good:
- Getting old is a privilege that have not had those people who for different circumstances have died at a younger age.
- Wisdom. Undoubtedly, the elderly have the capital of experience as a basis for establishing reflections, conclusions and correct advice that are supported by their own trajectory.
- Youth of mind. Turning years does not always mean aging at the level of attitude. Some people find that despite the change in the reflection in the mirror, their interior remains the same in terms of illusion.
- Accompany to other loved ones. For example, a grandfather is happy to see his grandchildren grow into adults.
- Weather. It is true that true happiness is not measured only by the amount of time, but also by the quality of the experiences experienced. However, if every day is a gift, growing old is too.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
