Gerascophobia, or the fear of aging, is a phenomenon that many people face on a daily basis. This fear is so strong that it can cause physical disorders such as anxiety, depression and insomnia. But this is not inevitable. There are steps you can take to reduce gerascophobia in your life. By developing healthier habits and changing the way you view aging, you’ll be more relaxed when thinking about the aging process. In this article, we offer five steps and helpful tips for overcoming gerascophobia and enjoying the experience of aging without worrying too much about it.
The American Psychological Association only officially recognizes 100 phobias, but there are actually more than 500. Gerascophobia happens to be one of them. And this isn’t a minor fear we’re talking about. It is so important that it disrupts the lives of those affected.
Anyone who has ever tried to overcome an irrational fear like gerascophobia knows how difficult the effort can be. Indeed, the seeming impossibility of it all leads many people to give up, letting their phobic tendencies take over their lives. The good news for these people is that gerascophobia can be overcome if addressed in the right way.
Here are 5 effective strategies to make that unwanted fear go away once and for all.
Strategy #1: Face your fear.
When it comes to gerascophobia, or fear of aging, facing your fear can be a helpful tool in overcoming it. Acknowledge the worries and doubts you have about aging, and address them head-on without running away from difficult conversations. Rather than avoiding the idea of aging at all costs, open yourself up to exploring the thoughts and feelings that come with it. An open conversation with peers, as well as with experts who specialize in gerontology, can help you understand how to better face these fears.
You can start by talking with people who are older or at similar life stages to yours. Once you’re more comfortable talking about aging-related topics, you can set bigger goals. Facing your fear is a powerful strategy against gerascophobia that has helped many people manage their thoughts more rationally instead of letting them take over.
Strategy #2: Don’t let panic or setbacks paralyze you.
When you feel overwhelmed by the fear of growing old, it’s important not to let that panic or any other setback paralyze you. Getting caught up in this fear can keep you from recognizing and using self-care methods, from exercise to healthy eating. Focusing on activities and situations that bring joy and comfort is an excellent strategy for combating the fear associated with gerascophobia. By taking an active role in managing your mental and physical health rather than letting fear take over, you will have a more positive view of aging.
Strategy #3: Keep an overview.
An effective approach to dealing with gerascophobia is to take a big-picture perspective – to see situations from an evasive point of view. For example, by looking for uplifting stories and blogs from older people, such as those on a seniors inspiration website.
When we focus on the aspects of aging that bring joy and beauty rather than fear, we can face our fears with more confidence and allow ourselves to move with life’s changes instead of staying frozen in fear and worry.
Similarly, it is possible to examine the statistical results of longevity instead of focusing solely on one’s own mortality. Keeping an overview of activities can help us practice acceptance while giving us much-needed respite from the unpleasant emotions associated with gerascophobia.
Strategy #4: Treat fear as a call to action.
This strategy has been accepted by many psychologists as an effective way to live with gerascophobia. Actions such as seeking therapy, understanding the realities of aging rather than resorting to cosmetic procedures, and acknowledging the beauty that comes with age can empower people living with this fear.
Also, creating art and writing about aging-related emotions can be incredibly therapeutic activities for someone with gerascophobia. Despite the discomfort it causes, fear can be seen as an opportunity for growth and help those affected by gerascophobia come to terms with the natural process of aging.
Strategy #5: Reconnect your brain.
Reconnecting is about taking our minds away from anxious thoughts related to aging and redirecting them to how the physical and mental changes that come with aging can be viewed as a natural growth process.
Through mindful meditation, cognitive reframing, and lifestyle changes like engaging in mind-boosting activities, you can give yourself a greater sense of purpose as you age gracefully. By taking proactive steps to combat gerascophobia, you can reduce your worries while learning to approach the final stages of life with courage and acceptance.
