Fear of ageing is really a fear of the unknown – and modern society is making things worse

Fear of Ageing is Really a Fear of the Unknown – and Modern Society is Making Things Worse

The Era of Longevity

For the first time in human history, we have entered an era in which reaching old age is taken for granted. Unlike in ages past, when living to an older age was a luxury afforded mainly to the privileged, globally around 79% of women and 70% of men can expect to reach the age of 65 and beyond.

- Advertisement -

The Fear of the Unknown

Despite longer life expectancy, many people in the contemporary west see growing old as undesirable and even scary. Research shows, however, that anxiety about ageing may in fact be fear of the unknown.

Society’s Focus on Youthfulness

Society’s focus on youthfulness and capability can cause anxiety about becoming weak and unwanted. Adverts for anti-ageing products are everywhere, reinforcing the idea that growing older is inherently unattractive.

The Pathological Fear of Ageing

Some people fear ageing so much that it becomes a pathological condition called gerascophobia, leading to irrational thoughts and behavior, for example, a fixation on health, illness, and mortality, and a preoccupation with hiding the signs of ageing.

The Desire to Reverse Ageing

We frequently hear about attempts to reverse ageing, often by the super rich. For example, Bryan Johnson, a 45-year-old American entrepreneur, is spending millions of dollars a year to obtain the physical age of 18.

The Unknown Possibilities

Work published by genetics professor David Sinclair at Harvard University in 2019 suggests that it may be possible to challenge the limits of cell reproduction to extend our lifespan, for example. His information theory of ageing argues that reprogramming DNA can improve damaged and old tissues, and delay or even reverse ageing.

From the Unproductive to Undervalued

People haven’t always dreaded growing older. In many societies, older people used to be widely regarded as wise and important – and in some they still are.

The Industrial Revolution and the Separation of Generations

The industrial revolution in the west from the 18th century led to a cultural shift where older people became excluded from society and were considered unproductive. People who had surpassed the age to work, alongside those with incurable diseases, were regarded by society as "evils" in need of assistance.

The Treatment of Older People

The treatment of older people has taken a different form since the early 20th century. The introduction of universal pension systems made ageing a central concern in welfare systems. But as the demands for social and health care have increased, journalists increasingly portray ageing as a burden on society.

Intergenerational Interactions

Academics suggest that creating a system for older and younger generations to interact in everyday settings is vital.

The Power of Intergenerational Programs

Intergenerational programs have been adopted globally, including mixed and intergenerational housing, community choirs, and senior volunteers reading to young children in nurseries.

Conclusion

Getting worried about growing older is normal, just as we experience anxieties in other stages of life, such as adolescence and marriage. But here’s the thing – instead of seeing ageing as a looming figure, it is important to realise it is just a part of life.

FAQs

Q: Why do people fear ageing?
A: Research shows that anxiety about ageing may in fact be fear of the unknown.

Q: What is gerascophobia?
A: Gerascophobia is the pathological fear of ageing, leading to irrational thoughts and behavior.

Q: Can we reverse ageing?
A: While there are attempts to reverse ageing, there is no concrete evidence to support it. However, research suggests that it may be possible to challenge the limits of cell reproduction to extend our lifespan.

Q: Why is ageing a central concern in welfare systems?
A: The introduction of universal pension systems made ageing a central concern in welfare systems.