Many of us, once we pass the age of thirty, begin to show signs of fearing old age. A great fear grows within us that the years are passing and our lives are slipping away. Thorny questions constantly grow in our minds: Will our time end one day? Will we eventually leave work with a box containing our belongings, a few pounds, a collection of memories, and many wasted years? Will I become an old person in my house while my children go on with their lives, and I lie on a chair in the living room, barely able to move to the bathroom?
So many terrifying questions circle in some people's heads. For some, they begin early; others are spared for a while and then attacked later. Perhaps the matter is harsher for those suffering from problems at work or in their personal lives. Also, when you are far from your dreams and have achieved nothing from them, time feels like a sharp tool that leaves marks on your soul as it passes. But this is a common disorder many suffer from, and we will try to understand it in this article.
What are the causes behind the fear of aging?
There’s no doubt that this is a disorder, but it is common and tends to intensify at certain stages of life more than others. The reasons behind this disorder differ from person to person depending on personality, current circumstances, and what is or isn't available to them in terms of rights and options. There are many causes for the fear of aging — such as fear of leaving work, fear of the physical signs of aging, and fear of illness and death.
Below are some of the different reasons:
1. Fear of leaving work
One of the most common issues is that some people fear growing older and being replaced by a young, energetic newcomer who receives all the attention and appreciation. These individuals are often deeply attached to their jobs, which take up a large part of their lives.
However, in reality, the older a person gets in their work, the more experience they gain, which means transitioning to a new phase filled with responsibilities that may be quieter but are certainly more important.
Despite this, they can’t stop imagining themselves walking away from the workplace, and this moment dominates their thoughts, causing bothersome anxiety attacks.
Without a doubt, this person desperately needs to visit a specialist and discuss their fears and their causes.
This professional knows exactly how to help, so don’t assume they’ll just offer empty words like a friend might. This is their field and expertise, and they will know how to solve the problem — if you truly want to solve it.
2. One of the causes of fearing aging: fear of the signs of aging
This reason is especially and frighteningly common among women, although there are also men who suffer from it.
But it constitutes the majority of the fear women have about aging — the idea of waking up one day, looking in the mirror, and not recognizing yourself is undoubtedly terrifying. Or holding a photo from your college days and finding a different person filled with energy and youth, and asking yourself: Where did that person go? How was he or she replaced by all these burdens, responsibilities, and a body marked by time?
We all may think this way, but don’t surrender to the idea. Remember that the years that passed gave you a successful job, a happy family, a child who is your entire world, or friends who are your refuge and comfort from aging. Maybe they gave you many beautiful days you lived and enjoyed, which became happy memories — or bitter, sad days in which you lost loved ones, gained experience, and learned to appreciate joyful moments and give them the value they deserve.
3. One of the causes of fearing aging: fear of illness
One of the most common reasons for the fear of aging disorder is its association with illness.
Some people are seized by panic at the thought of becoming sick, experiencing pain, taking medication, and lying between cold sheets in a depressing hospital.
In truth, we all hate this scenario and hope it doesn’t happen to us or any of our loved ones.
But all it takes is one visit to any hospital to discover that illness doesn’t just strike the elderly — it affects all age groups.
Always think that God has currently blessed you with good health. What lies ahead is in God’s hands, and all you need to do is take care of your health and avoid known causes of illness.
Sleep well during the night, eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, and make sure to move your muscles.
Also, try to stimulate your circulation through any type of exercise, and everything will be fine.
4. One of the causes of fearing aging: fear of death
For some people, the older they get, the more the fear of death takes root in their hearts.
They think about the moment they’ll leave life and be separated from their loved ones, and how life is beautiful and they haven’t really lived it yet.
These thoughts might lead to intense crying spells and deep depression — just from the thoughts alone.
But always try to remember that everyone dies — and for different reasons, not necessarily due to aging.
More people die in accidents, and a person might die while standing, laughing, without suffering from aging or chronic illnesses.
Death is entirely a matter of fate — a sacred secret owned by no one, and its keys lie only in the hands of the Almighty and Merciful.
So don’t worry. Just remember that all you have to do is enjoy your day and your life as if you’ll live forever, and prepare for what comes after death as if you’ll die tomorrow.
Love people. Love yourself. Take care of your health. Exercise. Watch what you eat. You’ll live with happiness and health until your time comes — whenever that may be.
Reasons that help you overcome the fear of aging
Many stars and celebrities have spoken about this topic and admitted that they used to fear reaching that age.
But in reality, once they reached it and surrendered to the idea, they found a lot of joy. God didn’t create a radiant, vibrant age and another one that’s depressing.
He made every stage of life beautiful and full of charm. Here are some reasons why aging is beautiful and what some celebrities think about it.
1. After forty is the age of greatest intellectual maturity
This is the age when you no longer care what people think. You finally realize that those who love you will do so because of who you are.
And those who don’t? “Goodbye” — you don’t want them in your life.
Jennifer Aniston said about this age: “Now I’m calmer and enjoy myself more — mentally, emotionally, and sexually. I no longer care much about what anyone thinks.”
2. The age of sexual maturity
Some might think that because the usual standards of beauty have faded or some wrinkles appeared, that this phase is gone forever.
On the contrary — after forty, and the older you get, the more intense your sexual needs become, and the stronger your self-awareness grows.
You are now more attractive, powerful, and confident in yourself. You can enjoy pleasure with great boldness and simplicity at the same time.
And being free from the obsession with appearance helps you realize that those around you now are the ones who truly love you.
3. After fifty is the age of freedom
Now, after all these years, although looking at your old photos gives the impression that you were stunning in appearance…
You also remember how confused and uncertain you were — to the point that you couldn’t fully enjoy the beauty of your youth.
You’ll hear this often: “I didn’t really live my age — what a shame.” Now, you’re calm, free from the pressure of looking beautiful, having the perfect body, the elite social status, the amazing spouse, and all those endless, unattainable dreams.
Now, you’re free.
And with this freedom, you can ride the express train of madness. Do everything you like.
Everything that crosses your mind is yours — as long as it doesn’t conflict with your values and principles so you don’t get into a different kind of trouble.
Whatever you feel is right and wish for — don’t ask yourself, “What will people say?”
People won’t say anything — and if they do, it means nothing to you.
