What’s Behind Our Fear of Aging? -
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What’s Behind Our Fear of Aging?

 

On the surface, it seems we are a society obsessed with maintaining our youthful look, a desire to be and feel younger, but what really is our fear about getting older/aging?

 

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2015-when I started the blog. ( 10 years ago, when I started the blog. )

 

2025

Skin Care- The Wrinkles

Here I am just “scratching the surface”.  What we see can often be a source of stress or dissatisfaction about aging.

Maybe you have been there. Those pesky “11” lines or the “crows feet” that have been bugging you for years. Easy fix right? It certainly isn’t easy to perhaps not see ourselves as we once were, but does eliminating those “problem areas” help significantly with the fear of aging?

I do use Retinol or prescription Tretinoin from my dermatologist, cleanse with Lancer’s “The Method” and do what I can to keep my skin looking good. But the fear of aging, doesn’t stop there.

 

AGING- WHAT ARE WE REALLY AFRAID OF?

This post came to mind as we moved my mom into a 55+ community here near us, about 15 minutes away. Much of the community is in their 70’s and 80s and it had me thinking.

When I think about this I wonder, “Are we scared of all of the things that comes with aging? Are we only concerned with the sagging, jowls, and/or wrinkles that may come with age? Sure, they aren’t fun to have, but I think it is something deeper .

Thinking about some of those in the spotlight, Bruce Willis, comes to mind. I actually have known 2-3 older people with Dementia. My Father in Law, who was diagnosed when he was 87, and a neighbor.   I often think that the idea of “losing oneself ” as much more frightening than some lines on your face.

What can we do? Many times, hereditary or genetics plays a part, but we can certainly work on our brain as years go by. I, uncomfortably joke when I can’t come up with a word and slough it off as “Menobrain” or “Over50brain”. Really, I feel I shouldn’t be losing words at 56. I did have to watch with medication, as I take Lyrica, and had to lower the dose, because of this.

If you have Apple, and Ipad or Phone, you can play word games such as “Quartiles.” I have a love hate relationship with it and certainly do better in the mornings rather than evenings. Keeping your mind active is one thing that will help you with cognition. Any brain teasers or word games would be helpful. Doing crossword puzzles or word games will also keep the brain active

 

LONLINESS

Are we worried about losing friends and family in later years? Finding it difficult to connect with people after retirement or as we age? These are a few of the concerns, as we get older that can make us feel isolated or alone. As we get older, socialization remains important. Take a class, talk with other people, get involved.

HEALTH ISSUES

The worry about health declining is a real one. Keeping up with doctor’s appointments and being proactive is one way to keep up with one’s help.  We worry about illness such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s, cancer or other debilitating diseases.  I also know several older people ( in their 80s and 90’s) where some doctors don’t believe that they need to keep up with certain tests. My MIL was told at the age of 80, that she didn’t need a mamogram, later to find out she had breast cancer.

FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN

Let’s face it, the fear of the unknown, of death, is what I would consider our main justifiable fear, for certain. Not knowing what comes next is a fear that many people have. Some people find peace with their faith.

Mobility and Using Your Brain

Moving. We need to move. We weren’t made to just sit on our bums all day. With that would come weakness in muscles, and energy.

Even a bit of movement is better than none. I am not one that succumbs to the “New Year New You ” adage. I do think however, we can take stock of our health and make some goals or changes. Keeping up with medical appointments, socializing, learning new things, are just some ways we can try to keep “on top of things”, as we age.

We certainly don’t have control over everything, but adjusting what we can, and what we know about aging can help some.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject! Let me know in the comments. 

Have a great day,

Jess xiii

6 Comments
  • Lizzie
    Posted at 11:10h, 29 January Reply

    What an amazing post, Jess! I agree with you on every point you made. I think the health stuff is what scares me the most. You just don’t know what cards you’re going to be dealt… but I don’t like to think of that. I think it’s important to stay active both in your body and mind as you age. Also, we are both coming up on ten years (I started the blog in 2015 as well) – yay for us hehe!

    Lizzie
    http://www.lizzieinlace.com

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 18:43h, 05 February Reply

      Yes, that does frighten me a bit, and that is why it is so important to know your family’s health history as well. Yes, being active, keeping your mind sharp, these things do help! Happy Blog Anniversary Lizzie!!

  • Pamela
    Posted at 09:36h, 28 January Reply

    We always heard our parents say it, now we know it’s right! Health is everything, old age is wonderful as long as we have the health to enjoy it and, I have to say it, the means to afford it!
    Pamela
    http://www.style-yourself-confident.com

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 18:42h, 05 February Reply

      So right! It really is the truth and yes, tell me about it!

  • Marsha Banks
    Posted at 22:44h, 27 January Reply

    My greatest fear of aging isn’t my face or skin. I do take good care of it and have for decades. I’ve had several laser treatments to lighten age spots that had gotten quite large. I also use tretinoin and moisturize like crazy. I think I’m dealing with my greatest fear right now. My husband’s health is declining, and he’s beginning to give up. So, my greatest fear is losing out on all the plans we had for when we retired. Covid stole so many years, it seems. And, his health began declining as we were coming out of that. So, it’s been a number of years dealing with that. I can’t leave him alone for very long for fear he’ll fall and hurt himself so social events have to be short. I never saw myself in the role of caretaker as he’s always been so active. I always heard older people say getting older wasn’t for the weak of heart. I believe them now.

  • jodie
    Posted at 14:56h, 27 January Reply

    I love how there is so much research and options at our fingertips that weren’t available to our parents. We can learn so much and change the path of our aging to be healthy and fun.
    XOOX
    Jodie

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