By Klaus Döring
For some, it’s a fear of the physical changes that come with aging. For others, it’s the fear of losing their independence and becoming a burden on their loved ones. And for many, it’s the fear of death itself.
Do you have a fear of aging? We all do, to some extent. Just take a look at what the media and pop culture promote on a daily basis – it seeps with promotions straight from the fountain of youth.
Take it a step further — do you also worry about what will happen when you die?
Unfortunately, many people, especially older adults, feel scared and anxious about aging and death.
As you age, some fears dissipate, yet fears about being over-the-hill can creep into your daily life.
Fear of not living up to expectations, fear of taking risks, fear of retirement, and a fear of the future.
The fear of getting older is something that everyone faces at some point in their life, but what we don’t realize is how much power this fear really holds over us and how it can affect every aspect of our lives if left unchecked.
No matter what form your fear takes, it can be a debilitating force in your life. It can make you worry about things that are far into the future and prevent you from enjoying the present moment.
Sadly, society sees old age as something undesirable and something to be afraid of. And not only could this not be further from the truth, but it’s also a form of ageism — social discrimination against older people.
People worry about losing their looks, their health, and their independence. But there’s no need to fear aging. It’s a natural process that happens to everyone. And it can be a beautiful time of life if you’re mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for it.
We also fear death because it represents the end of our life as we know it. We’re afraid of all the things we’ll never get to do, see, or experience. Death is final, and that can be scary.
Just remember it’s about how you live your life, and not when you die, that matters. Instead of focusing on your fears, focus on living your life to the fullest and enjoying every moment without having to look back with any regret.
To make the most of your time and to help you embrace the journey ahead, read on for six tips on how to overcome the fear of aging and death.
You can educate yourself about what to expect as you age. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about getting older, so it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you’re automatically going to be frail, sick, and unable to enjoy life.
Not to mention, there’s increasing research uncovering the deep impact of trauma, stress, lifestyle, and mental state on the way that you heal and age — regardless of your family history and genetic makeup.
So it’s worth educating yourself about aging and dying. Lifelong knowledge is power, and understanding the aging process and what to expect can help you come to terms with your fear. One of the best ways to combat your fear of aging and death is to live in the present moment and reap the benefits of mindfulness. When you’re focused on what’s happening right now, it’s difficult to worry about things that haven’t happened yet.
I am soon approaching the age of 71. So what! Living in the Philippines for more than 25 years together with my Philippine family. I couldn’t live somewhere alone. I am blessed. I never fear aging or death. Maybe it’s my lifestyle here in the Philippines. Allow me to tell this to you: One of the best ways to combat your fear of aging and death is to live in the present moment and reap the benefits of mindfulness. When you’re focused on what’s happening right now, it’s difficult to worry about things that haven’t happened yet.
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Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook or Linkedin or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com .
