Gerascophobia is the fear of growing old or aging.
Mark Twain once said “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” ~
A new survey at the University of Chicago reveals losing one's memory, developing health problems, and not having financial security were the biggest worries across all age groups.
So why all the fuss about aging? Because approximately 10,000 Americans turn 65 everyday! Most of these 65 year olds are dealing with the fear of getting older; some begin being concerned with this before 65. I want to share with you what I’ve discovered in my research about the fear of aging. In my people circles many are expressing some of the same concerns from time to time about their future and aging.
HERE ARE FIVE FEARS OF AGING THAT MAY NOT BE TRUE
1. Old People Always Get Sick and Have Chronic Pain
2. Memory Loss is an Inevitable Part of Aging
3. As You Age You Get Wrinkled and Ugly
4. Old People Can't Learn New things
5. Old People Are Lonely and Grumpy
Now you may be like me and know several older people that have one or all five of these attributes. But, can you bring to mind an older person that has none of these? I guess it depends on at what point (numerical number) we call “old”. You know there are many people that “act old” and age wise (numerical number) are not even old enough to draw a Social Security check! I’ve come to the conclusion that aging is largely a state of mind. If aging is really a concern, then assess where you are health wise, financially, relationally, and emotionally. Once you complete your assessment, address those areas you find weak and unstable and develop a plan to improve each. This will improve your chances of avoiding some of the things that people typically face as they age.
Here is a List (when surveyed) of Top fears of People Approaching the Golden Years:
1. Loss of independence. 2. Declining Health
3. Running out of money 4. Not being able to live at home
5. Death of a spouse or other family member
6. Inability to manage their own activities in daily living
7. Not being able to drive 8. Isolation or loneliness
9. Strangers caring for them. 10. Fear of falling or getting hurt
The following is a list I found in a another survey where 80% polled state these as their top concerns:
I'm afraid I will become disabled. It isn’t unreasonable to acknowledge that the longer we live, the more likely it is that we may develop mobility or sensory challenges.
Actions to take? We can make lifestyle choices to lower this risk. Such things as exercise, healthy eating, scheduling regular healthcare appointments, maintaining a healthy weight, not engaging in bad habits such as smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
I'm afraid I will get Alzheimer's disease. Although the percentage of seniors who develop Alzheimer's disease has actually decreased over the past few years, Alzheimer’s is becoming an increasing concern among many.
Actions to take? Healthy lifestyle choices lower the risk of dementia. Making brain- healthy choices all through life, especially beginning when we are young, help improve our chances of never developing this disease! Exercises in activities such as engaging in music, studying a second language, working cross word puzzles, etc. builds and maintains our brain health.
3. I'm afraid I will run out of money. People often think they will be able to live exclusively on Social Security and do not plan for their retirement years.
Actions to take? Of course the best time to plan for retirement years is when you are young. Talk to a financial advisor about your options. Enlist in your company's retirement plan if they have one. You may need to continue working past the traditional retirement age. No matter your age, start to save.
4. I'm afraid I will be lonely. As we get up in years we begin to lose friends and family members to death. Due to necessary life changes, relocating, disability, we may find our relationships dwindling. Loneliness can be as bad for our health as smoking or obesity! Actions to take? Don't snub the idea of a senior living community. Find where volunteer’s are needed. Make a point to keep in touch with lifelong friends. Find new ways to communicate with busy family members by learning to text, face time, etc.
5. I will eventually come to the end of my life. Young people do not often contemplate this thought. Some think of this for the purpose of making plans for the care of their children in the event of their death. But as we age, dying becomes a more prominent thought.
Actions to take? Think about the things that are important to you. What do you want to accomplish in your life? What kind of legacy do you want to leave? Base your decisions and life plans on the answer to these questions. Prepare a Living Will and a Will and Testament.
Worrying about your health actually causes the brain to release chemicals and hormones that can cause disease. Rather than focusing on all the what if’s, purpose each day to live as healthy as possible. Aging doesn’t have to mean you grow unhealthy or lose mental clarity. Aging doesn’t mean that the fears I listed in the survey’s have to be fulfilled. Good health and living a good life first begins with how we think. Depending on the type, your thoughts are continually causing chemical changes in your body. Positive, uplifting thoughts release things like endorphins and dopamine which make us feel good. Negative, defeating thoughts release chemicals and hormones such as excessive cortisol that can cause fat storage that damages our bodies.
Make a plan and set a date to begin implementing healthier habits, healthier thoughts and a plan to deal with your concerns in the event some present themselves. I listed some things to think of in the “Actions to take” in the section above that will help you.
Simple, Quick Tips on Aging that Actually Work :
Take care of your skin. Use sunscreen, get cancer screening, stay hydrated and use products without additives.
Exercise 2-6 hrs a week. Include activities that keep you flexible.
Diet…eat as healthy as possible. Incorporate fasting once a month.
Mental health: Minimize stress. Stay positive. Spend time with family and friends. Do things you enjoy and have fun. Start a routine of meditation EACH day!
Stay active. Do things that engage your mind and body. Find ways to serve others.
Break bad habits such as smoking and excessive drinking, gossip, negative thinking. Journal gratefulness each day…it will change your thinking.
Get plenty of sleep
Engage in hobbies.
Keep annual doctor visits for preventative care.
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
To live your best life everyday, refuse to worry about growing older. It happens to all of us but that doesn’t mean you have to “act old”! You can be as young as you desire in your heart and mind and that will have a huge impact on your physical condition. Plan for stages of life and the possible issues that may arise. Do your best to live as healthy as possible and purpose to live life to the fullest!!!
One of the best things I EVER did to improve my aging process is give my heart to Jesus Christ! When I did that, I received all I needed to live a good and healthy life. I base ALL my decisions on the wisdom of God. I make ALL my life choices regarding my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health on God’s Word. God’s Word daily instructs me in all areas and when I listen and act on that Word, my body responds positively.
I want you to enjoy your best life everyday. If you don’t know Jesus, consider getting to know him. I would love to talk with you further about that. You can send me a message on my contact page and I will be glad to get in touch with you. You’ll live your best life when you put your fears behind you and face the aging process with confidence, positivity and grace!
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