The fear of aging is in everyone’s heart, and no wonder. In our society, performance and beauty are paramount. That’s why, as old age approaches, we wonder where we’ll fit in. I’d like to share with you 4 helpful tips to help you cope with this fear.

1 – It’s normal to be afraid of aging

Yes, it’s normal to be afraid of aging in a society that promotes performance and beauty.

You have to be productive, hyperactive, intelligent, beautiful, slim, muscular and have a thousand and one activities to feel you exist.

So how can old age find its place in our hyperactive society?

What’s more, the fear of aging is normal, because like any change, it’s uncomfortable at first.

And then there’s the fear of death to contend with.

That’s why the fear of aging is completely normal, and that’s what makes it less frightening in a way.

Because we’re all in this together.

That’s why we could see and experience old age differently?

2 – We could see and experience old age differently

Yes, but how?

We could see it as an obligatory passage.

And instead of going backwards, we could open our eyes and hearts wide. Because, in the end, growing old is a new adventure.

In fact, as with everything in life, everything has the flavour we want it to have.

In other words, when it comes to old age, if we look at it with fear, then we’re going to live it in fear.

But if we look at it with curiosity and kindness, then we’ll experience it with greater serenity.

Because it all starts with us.

The problem is that, very often, we listen to others, to society, and it’s people outside ourselves who dictate how we should live something that concerns us.

In fact, we’re no longer actors in our own lives, in what happens to us.

Because we’re told that old age is a very bad time to be, so that’s what happens.

What if I told you that you could choose, at any moment, the way you live with what happens to you?

3 – Unburden yourself and stop being afraid of aging

Your happiness depends on how you look at things.

So stop listening to what society says and focus on what’s happening to you.

Rather than listening to what society thinks about this or that subject, reconnect with Life. Life with a capital L.

Because we live in a world cut off from Life.

We’re made to believe so many lies, and they lead us to fear aging, when aging is natural!

In other words, we’re being asked to fight against something natural and inescapable.

What’s more, according to surveys, happiness peaks between the ages of 65 and 79. Why is this?

Because old age invites us to let go, and in the end, that’s a very good thing.

We shed our need for performance and beauty. We shed our need for competition and comparison.

Finally, we make peace with ourselves and with the world around us, because we no longer have anything to prove.

Yes, I’m telling you that growing old can be a moment of liberation.

In fact, I believe that at any age, there are beautiful things to experience, but like all beautiful things, you have to discover them for yourself and, above all, seize them for yourself.

Because happiness doesn’t just fall into our hands, it has to be cultivated and nurtured.

That’s why, instead of being afraid of growing old, I invite you to take a much more curious look at what’s going to happen to you anyway.

Embrace change with all your heart.

Approach it with calm curiosity.

Focus on the good things and opportunities that come your way.

You’ll get there.

4 – Using the fear of aging as a driving force

What’s more, you can decide to use your fear of aging as a driving force to live life to the full, right here, right now.

In fact, we can be afraid of growing old and dying, and this fear should help us to live joyfully.

In other words, don’t let your fear hold you back.

Embrace change, dive into it, instead of covering your eyes and holding on to the past.

When I think about old age and death, it motivates me all the more to live in the moment.

In fact, my fears become my driving forces; they become good reasons to be happy here and now.

Life isn’t rosy, that’s for sure. In fact, old age and death are two difficult things when you think about them, and yet they can also be very beautiful.

Because, without them, life wouldn’t have the same flavor.

It’s because we know there’s an end that life becomes magical at that very moment!

You know, we’re not alive to follow our fears, but to follow our joys and dreams.

In fact, being afraid is normal, but letting our fears dictate our lives is not.

So don’t make that mistake. Don’t let your fear of aging stop you from being happy right now and until the end.

Accept what you can’t change.

Put joy, happiness and serenity wherever you can. It’s your mission, your responsibility.

You can do it and you deserve it.

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover How to age well: 7 tips for peaceful aging (for all ages)
Discover Accepting aging: the 21 most beautiful quotes

I recommend this inspiring book:

Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing As We Age by Mary Pipher

Mary Pipher’s Women Rowing North tackles the fear of aging by providing insights and advice on how to meet the challenges of middle age with resilience and determination. The book explores women’s experiences as they age, offering practical advice for maintaining well-being, cultivating meaningful connections and seizing the opportunities that accompany aging. Pipher’s book encourages a positive perspective on aging, empowering readers to view this phase of life as a journey of continued growth and fulfillment rather than a source of fear.

She consistently addresses the societal issues of agism, misogyny and feminism. She not only highlights the problems we face as women in Western society, but also presents original ways of overcoming internal and external obstacles. For me, this book was incredibly helpful and age-affirming.

I bought this book for my sister and a friend. Well written, it’s easy to read and full of wisdom.
It’s worth sharing!

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself