Aging often brings fears of illness, dependency, and financial insecurity. However, embracing life and facing these fears can lead to healthier, more fulfilling experiences. Many older adults remain active and engaged, finding joy in relationships and community. Understanding the fears associated with aging can empower individuals to make proactive choices for a better future.

In This Article

• What are the main fears associated with aging?
• How do perceptions of aging influence experiences?
• What strategies can be employed to cope with aging fears?
• How can proactive choices enhance quality of life in old age?
• What are the potential risks of living in fear of aging?

It’s those things left undone that came to mind as I was facing death. I thought about the book I hadn’t written that I had intended to write “one of these days.” I was sorry that I hadn’t told my husband, children, and friends often enough how much I loved them.

I’m not so much afraid of dying as I am of not having lived my life to the fullest. These days, I’m trying hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and radiance to my life and the lives of those I love. Every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that this day is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.

What have you been putting off that you can do now?

Fear Of Being A Bag Lady

When my friends and I get together, inevitably one of them brings up the fear of not having enough financial resources to make old age a positive experience. I respond, realistically, how much money do you need to be happy, to feel secure?

You don’t have to deplete your resources if you take action now to begin living creatively and actively seeking alternatives to spending more than you can afford. For instance, take advantage of senior discounts, offer personal services instead of giving expensive gifts, check out books and DVDs from the library instead of buying them, and discover the pleasures that can come from a walk in a beautiful place instead of shopping at the mall.

If you’re worried about resources, who says you can’t continue to work at a job if you want and need to? Why spend one-fifth to one-third of your life in retirement? Along with millions of others, we are likely to be healthy and active well into our futures, so why not make some money while we’re at it? Most of all, try not to live in fear. Living in fear is not really living.

In your journal, note some practical and creative ways you could economize, starting today.

Fear Of Asking For Help

Many of us have been taught that we shouldn’t admit to our pain and suffering, so we bear them in silence. We begin to feel alone, yet if we need companionship, we need companionship. Let’s not be fearful of asking for what we need.

Here are some suggestions: If you live alone or need help from time to time, organize a support system of friends, relatives, and organizations that you can call on. Make sure your home is organized so a helpful neighbor or friend can find what is needed to give you a hand. Make sure important names and phone numbers are handy and visible for all to see.

You’ll likely appreciate others doing nice things for you, but did you know that it makes people feel good to help others. Asking someone for help is a positive, not a negative. Some things are even more fun when done with the support of someone else. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

©2005, 2014 by Pamela D. Blair. All Rights Reserved.
This excerpt was reprinted with permission of the publisher,
Hampton Roads Publishing. www.redwheelweiser.com

Article Source

Getting Older Better: The Best Advice Ever on Money, Health, Creativity, Sex, Work, Retirement, and More
by Pamela D. Blair, PhD.

Click here for more info and/or to order this book on Amazon.

About the Author

Pamela D. Blair, PhD, is a holistic psychotherapist, spiritual counselor, and personal coach with a private practice. She has written for numerous magazines, appeared on radio and television talk shows, and co-authored a bestselling book on grief entitled I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye. She is also the author of The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Midlife and Beyond. As a therapist, she is known for her holistic approach and her innovative personal growth workshops. She lives in Shelburne, VT. Visit her online at www.pamblair.com.

Watch an interview: Author Pamela Blair and "Getting Older Better"

Further Reading

Article Recap

Facing fears surrounding aging can lead to a more fulfilling life. Individuals are encouraged to adopt proactive strategies to manage their concerns and enhance their later years.

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