COPE Fear of aging: when it appears and how to avoid it

Who doesn't mind seeing themselves grow old. It's normal. The problem is when worry becomes obsession and we panic with an irrational fear of adding years. This problem has a name; gerascophobia.

Like all phobias, this condition has an irrational component that makes you obsess over the inevitable: the dizzying passing of the years and the changes in the body associated with the loss of youth and beauty. It is a very common condition in adults and tends to become a real problem if it is not treated or identified in time. From Psicopartner, they explain what this disorder consists of:

Gerascophobia is usually accompanied by processes of anxiety, fear and continuous negative thoughts that lead the individual to panic when thinking about the future. Often, those who suffer from it tend to experience other associated phobias and manias, such as gerontophobia, or fear of the elderly, which is accompanied by a feeling of contempt and rejection towards the elderly.

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WHEN DOES IT APPEAR

Around 30 years of age. It is at this stage of life that people reach maturity. On a physical level, they tend to take more care of their appearance and demand to be more productive.

Those who have gerascophobia not only suffer with the changes in their physical appearance that occur over the years, but also with other consequences that old age can bring with it, such as loss of mobility, the possibility of being taken to a residence , worsening health or having to depend on others.

Having a negative image of old age is one of the main causes that lead to the development of this type of pathology. Normally, this stage of life is associated with decadence, loneliness, illness and even ugliness. Understanding that old age not only implies loss, but that it is part of life and evolution, is essential to accept the evolution of time with its respective changes.

WHO IS AT HIGHER RISK

There are those who are more likely to develop this type of phobia, such as people with an excessive preference for taking care of their physical appearance, highly narcissistic individuals, with a high level of self-demand, or even those who, for work or family reasons, are caring for elderly people in a situation of dependency. Those with anxious personality traits, with emotional management difficulties or with a history of anxiety disorders.

HOW TO TREAT IT

- Accept naturally the signs of the passing of the years, and understand that physical, psychological and vital changes occur gradually. It is important to take care of yourself inside and out at any stage of life, without becoming an obsession.

- Carry out an introspection work to recognize the qualities that one possesses as a person. Also, it is recommended to take stock of the experiences lived and everything that each stage has taught us.

- Focus and enjoy the present moment and future plans. With each passing year you are wiser, you have lived experiences that have allowed you to grow on a personal level, now is the time to enjoy your current life, value everything you have around you and plan with enthusiasm everything you want to do .

- Stop physically comparing yourself to others. There are always going to be younger and more beautiful people so it is important to put the spotlight on yourself more than others. Comparison with others is often accompanied by an underestimation that has a negative effect on self-esteem.

- Go to professional therapy if these fears influence our routines.