Are you scared of aging? If you are, you aren’t the only one! It’s so common that people have started calling it “FOGO” -fear of getting old. You might have also heard of the term “gerontophobia”.
A 2014 survey of 2088 Americans aged 18 and older, commissioned by the drug company Pfizer, found that 87 percent of participants had at least one fear about getting old. In India this is further complicated by variables like socioeconomic status, locus of control, gender etc. It is estimated that more than 18 million elderlies live below the poverty lines, where lack of health benefits and discrimination doubly affect the lives of elderly. So, fear of being old seems prevalent here too.
While often perceived as a Western concern, research actually indicates that in Eastern countries, a sort of paradoxical thinking exists. There’s Implicit bias and stereotypes about the elderlies being a financial and physical burden alongside outward respectful behaviours.
It seems that the negative portrayal of aging is universal, with media messaging from "wrinkle-free" face creams to "OK, boomer" memes reinforcing the notion that being old is undesirable. Consequently, older individuals internalize these stereotypes, leading to self-fulfilling prophecies like, "I am so old already; of course, bad things are going to happen to me!"
Addressing these stereotypes and alleviating fears related to old age is where "positive aging" plays a pivotal role. Positive aging involves embracing old age as a natural and fulfilling stage of life, emphasizing physical, mental, and spiritual growth. It challenges societal misinterpretations, presenting a holistic life span approach where aging becomes a journey and adventure.
This approach takes in many facts that are usually misinterpreted in society (Yes, even by psychologists) For example, if you thought cognition inevitably declines for all older people, it’s actually wrong! Contrary to common beliefs, cognitive decline is not inevitable for all older individuals. Psychologist Becca Levy's research suggests that various cognitive functions actually improve in later life, including metacognition, interpersonal conflict resolution, and semantic memory.Understanding these positive aspects of aging challenges preconceived notions.Many such findings have been shared, such as how older people are actually happier, mentally healthier, and are resilient- they have the ability to bounce back from tragedy more than their younger counterparts!
So , how can we promote these positive beliefs about aging both in the elderly and young population? It requires a collective effort, starting with ourselves. Consider the following:
Age as a Number: Imagine the possibilities if age were viewed merely as a number. Embracing the process of growing older with compassion and gratitude changes our perspective.
Identity Beyond Work: Recognize that we are not defined solely by our work. Engaging in hobbies, learning new skills, contributing to charity, and making a difference in the world all shape our identity beyond professional roles.
Beyond Physical Appearance: Our value extends beyond physical appearance. Identifying our worth through choices, attitudes, and personal beliefs rather than superficial attributes shifts the focus from aging as a burden to a natural and welcomed process.
