Aging is something no one can avoid. We haven’t yet discovered a “fountain of youth,” and even if we did, it doesn’t take away from the fact that everyone gets older—no matter how they look.
Physical aspects aside, aging can be scary. It’s hard to accept the fact that you’re getting older. Your body might not work as efficiently as it once did. You’re at a greater risk for health conditions. Many people start thinking about their own mortality as they age.
So, it’s no wonder there’s such a problem when it comes to anxiety about aging.
While getting older is unavoidable, there are things you can do to cope with those fears and embrace aging, rather than feeling anxious about it.
Practice Acceptance
Often, the “facing your fears” motto works well when it comes to embracing aging. You might feel anxious about getting older because you haven’t fully accepted it. Therefore, it’s easy to let your thoughts run wild and assume the worst.
Stop to think about what aging might really look like. What do you want to experience? How do you want to enjoy your retirement years? What are you going to do to manage your physical and mental health?
When you’re able to paint a clearer, realistic picture of the aging process, it becomes less scary and overwhelming, so you’ll have an easier time accepting it.
Be More Grateful
Gratitude is one of the best combatants against anxiety.
If you’re struggling with a fear of getting older, you might constantly be thinking about all the “negative” things that come with it.
Instead of focusing on those things, choose gratitude. It can help to have a journal to write in each day, listing 5-10 things you’re grateful for. That could include everything from certain family members to the ability to run a mile. You might be surprised when you see on paper just how many good things are in your life.
When you’re feeling especially anxious, you can look at those things and remind yourself that getting older doesn’t have to strip you of your happiness.
Stay Social
One of the biggest issues people face as they get older is social isolation. It can lead to both physical and mental health problems and diminish your overall quality of life. If you’re anxious about aging, understand that you don’t have to do it alone.
Find ways to stay social and be around people as often as possible. Stay close with family members, reconnect with friends, and don’t hesitate to try something new. Things like volunteering or joining specific groups can give you a sense of purpose while establishing strong connections.
Practice Self-Care
Everyone needs to prioritize their well-being, no matter how old they are.
One common fear people have as they age is that they’ll lose the ability to do certain things that were once “easy.” You can fight back against that by taking care of yourself. Be proactive about your health by eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and doing some form of physical activity each day.
You’ve probably heard the saying “you’re only as old as you feel.” While you might not be able to change the number attached to your age, you can feel physically and mentally younger when you choose to make your health a priority.
As a bonus, physical exercise is a fantastic way to calm anxiety, boost your mood, and get more energy.
Aging is an unavoidable process. We all have to face it, but that doesn’t make it easy. Keep these coping ideas in mind to work through it effectively and gracefully, and you’ll be more inclined to embrace the aging process, rather than fear it.