Fears of aging are very common. Many people worry about losing their independence, mobility, or health as they get older.
Ageism (discrimination against older people) can sometimes get internalized. This can negatively impact your self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-worth as you age.
It’s OK to sometimes worry about getting older. But if your fears of aging are negatively affecting your well-being or daily functioning, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Have you felt less like celebrating your birthday the last few years? Are you worried about what the future holds as you age? If so, you’re not alone. Many people have a fear of getting older. A 2024 study found that for about 62% of people, aging is a significant source of anxiety. These worries can affect people in their 60s and 70s. But they tend to be worse for people in their 30s and 40s.
Having the occasional worry about getting older isn’t necessarily cause for concern. Humans tend to fear the unknown, and it’s impossible to know what it’s like to be 70, 80, or 90 years old until you get there. In addition, media and popular culture send so many negative messages about aging. So it makes sense that you might not be ready to fully embrace it.
However, if your fears of aging are affecting your emotional well-being or functioning, there could be something deeper going on. For example, gerascophobia is a specific phobia characterized by an excessive fear of aging. It differs from “typical” fears of aging in duration and intensity.
If your worries about aging are impacting your mental health, relationships, or daily life, don’t hesitate to ask for help. In the meantime, exploring why you might have these fears can help you learn healthy ways to cope with them.
What’s so scary about growing old?
Many people’s fears of aging revolve around a loss of independence, loneliness, health decline, and death. Worries include things like:
Experiencing age-related health problems like dementia, cancer, stroke, heart attack, or lung disease
Losing mobility and becoming dependent on someone else for basic life tasks
Outliving spouses, friends, and loved ones and being left alone
No longer being able to adhere to important life roles (parent, worker, volunteer, etc.) and becoming irrelevant
Being forced to confront your mortality and the inevitability of death
Not everyone will experience these age-related fears. But researchers have identified a few factors that may affect how you feel about getting older. For example, people who live alone may be more likely to fear getting an age-related disease, and people who immigrated from another country may be more likely to fear loneliness. Data on whether child-free people may be more vulnerable to loneliness later in life is inconclusive.
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Where do fears about aging come from?
A person’s culture, physical and emotional well-being, social connections, and access to resources can shape their experience of old age. Although it’s a universal experience, we all age in our own way.
Some things that can affect your relationship with aging include:
Mental health: Some people worry about what will happen to their mental faculties as they age. While older people are at greater risk of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, it’s likely due to loneliness and social isolation, not aging itself.
Media: The global anti-aging market is a $17 billion industry that spends a lot of money to keep people scared of getting older. Through marketing and social media campaigns, companies amplify the false narrative that youth equates to greater worth, vitality, and productivity.
Internalized ageism: Ageism is a form of bias against older people that can lead to discrimination. Without even realizing it, you may internalize ageism and its negative cultural messages about getting older. You may see yourself (and your peers) through the lens of cultural stereotypes that equate aging with a loss of ability and value.
Healthy ways to address a fear of aging
If you’re struggling to embrace the aging process, some things that can help include:
Social engagement: Volunteering, joining a club, or spending time with your religious community can help combat isolation.
Physical activity: Participating in physical activities you enjoy (like walks, yoga, or gardening) can help you prevent injury and maintain your independence.
Cognitive engagement: Whether it’s doing a crossword puzzle or balancing your checkbook, look for ways to challenge yourself mentally and keep your mind sharp.
Stress management: Managing stress with activities like deep breathing or journaling can help you build resilience and navigate challenges.
Education: Learning about the aging process can help demystify it. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more empowered and prepared.
Intergenerational contact: Spending time with older and younger people can help you feel connected to your community. You can help older people with life tasks and learning new skills, and you can offer support and advice to younger people.
Reframing your thoughts: If you’re experiencing negative thoughts about getting older, see if you can adopt a more neutral mindset. You don’t have to love every aspect of aging, but try to create more space for acceptance.
Asking for help: Therapy can provide a safe space to explore your fears about aging and better understand where they’re coming from. A therapist who specializes in supporting older adults can help you process your experiences and learn healthy ways to cope with age-related anxiety.
When fear of aging affects your daily life, gentle reframing can help. Focusing on your strengths, experiences, and relationships can ease anxiety and build confidence. With support, many people also find that aging brings freedom, clarity, and deeper connection.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
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Many people worry about getting older. They may fear a loss of mobility, health, relevance, or cognitive abilities. These fears are often made worse by ageism and societal messages that assign worth and value to youth.
Fortunately, there are ways to manage your worries about getting older. Being socially, physically, and cognitively engaged can help you stay connected to your community and maintain your independence. And if you need additional support, talking to a therapist can help you navigate life’s next chapter with a little more ease.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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