What do you fear the most about aging?

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   denise.w.andersonposted 10 years ago

   What do you fear the most about aging?
   
   Getting older doesn't get easier. There are so many issues. What is the most frightening thing to you?

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   dashingscorpioposted 10 years ago

   A slow gradual deterioration of body mobility and organ functionality. Once I'd lose my independence and had to rely on others for everything from driving me around town, feeding me, or taking me to the restroom...etc  I would feel better off dead.
   Noticing one's inability to do things they have always taken for granted can be very scary indeed.

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      denise.w.andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Many people feel that loosing their abilities would be the worst that could happen to them. That is understandable.

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   liesl5858posted 10 years ago

   What I fear the most about aging is getting demented. A lot of old people have dementia nowadays and it is really frightening. I hate to think that when I get old I will forget my name and who I am. I also fear that when I get old, I will be falling because I lose my balance. A lot of elderly people are prone to falls and break their bones easily. But hopefully I will get old gracefully.

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      denise.w.andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That would be difficult, not knowing who you are or what is happening in your world. Many people have difficulty with their balance when they are older. My mother fell earlier this year on a sidewalk and had to have her shoulder replaced.

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   sheilamyersposted 10 years ago

   It used to be getting arthritis or something and not being able to get around on my own. Now it's getting Alzheimers. I've seen people going through it and it seems like it would be frightening not knowing the people around you.

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      Faith Reaperposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, this is the same for me too.  So terribly sad and frightening to say the least.

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      denise.w.andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I have a friend with Alzheimers. It is tough for his family, as he can no longer live independently.

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   mjboomerposted 10 years ago

   A very interesting question. Ageing is naturally a process marked by gradual decline with changes in the perception of independence. I expect to experience many changes as I age, requiring shifts in the way I approach those challenges.
   My biggest fear is not having the resources to help me age in place successfully while maintaining my ability to make my own choices and remain independent.

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      denise.w.andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Changes in the way we approach life are definitely needed as we age. Not having sufficient resources could definitely be a problem!

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   Daveadams36posted 10 years ago

   Fearing getting old denise is the very thing, that's going to make you get older quicker!lol..As you get older it's your mind that gives up first not your body, so all you have to do is never give up walking/jogging etc whatever you like doing..Believe me if anyone wants to stay physically fit in their old age & they've no physical ailments, then "walking" long walks are the "king" the "daddy" to staying fit..The trouble is is a persons mind as they get older will try to convince them to get a taxi etc instead of walking, or to order food in instead of cooking etc..That's the exact time that the person has to use there will power to force their body into action, & if it's kept on top of it doesn't become a problem..Hobbies/passions/interests that you love doing are your fountain of youth, & so all you have to do is find them..Find something physical that you love doing, & you will instantly manifest the motivation to keep doing it..Don't whatever you do get the knitting needles out & put your slippers on, you can do that when your 101 when you can hardly move!lol..Don't worry about getting old denise because for all you know when you die, you might just wake up somewhere in your prime again..I mean no one really know's, so we have to stay fit & wait & see..ps get a bike, ps use it often. :-)

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      denise.w.andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      This is an interesting philosophy! Stay fit, and you stay young! I know a lot of people who are able to do just that. Here, I think that wisdom is the key. We have to take into consideration what we are capable of doing, and do it in moderation.

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   Zaina Starposted 10 years ago

   As they say old is gold , but the truth is , for human getting old means becoming alone and neglected ! I 've seen people ending up in old age homes.Its horrifying for me .Being neglected by your own kids ! its frightening.

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      denise.w.andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Loneliness and abandonment, especially by one's own family, would be difficult indeed!

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   mdgardnerposted 10 years ago

   For me it’s losing my independence and not being able to care for myself. I think the hardest thing for me to deal with is to have to depend on others for basic needs like transportation, food, medicine, etc.

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      denise.w.andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Losing independence can be difficult, especially when we are used to enjoying life with self-sufficiency.

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   Nicole Nichols-Smposted 10 years ago

   For me it is not being able to do what I want to physically. I believe that whatever age one is it is only a number and your thoughts and actions keep you young or ages you. I am 47 years old and still take the stairs everyday and I can still do a cartwheel. I also believe it is important to have a group of supportive friends and never allow yourself to isolate from family and friends. Also, you should stay current on world, national and local events. Find a place to be useful, whether volunteering or a part-time job. And sharpen your skills like reading or taking a class, your outlook will help keep you "young"

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      denise.w.andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I used to feel this way, until I reached age 50, then something happened to my body, and I couldn't do the same things I used to do! Continuing to stay active and informed is vital, however, in keeping age at bay.

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    Doris Dancyposted 10 years ago

    My mother had Dementia in her final years, and that was the saddest of all for me.  For a while she would tell me that she knew who I was, but then there came that day when I knew she did not recognize me.  The most frightening for me is not remembering my husband and my children.  That is a very sad time for all, and a very frightening thought.

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       denise.w.andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, Doris, having had first hand experience with this, you understand how the loved ones feel when those they care for deeply no longer recognize them.

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    tom yamposted 10 years ago

    Not being able to look after myself and having to rely on others is something that i fear the most.

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       denise.w.andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, tom, that seems to be the thing that most people fear.

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    deecoleworldposted 10 years ago

    I am considered young, but I sometimes think about getting older!!!! The older you get, the more time seems to move too quickly!! Anyway my biggest fear would be to be filled with regrets and being unfulfilled. A  unfulfilled life filled with regrets is not a life
    My other fears include getting a debilitating illness or disease (such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's/ Dementia) that compromises and prevents you from being independent and free. Old age is a privilege but what is a privilege when you are suffering either from a physical illness or condition or suffering emotionally..... and what if you have both.  Anyway what I can say if you try to live in a beautiful, meaningful productive way you won't fear old age, you will welcome it and it will welcome you!!!! Striving to be the best I can be is my mission

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       denise.w.andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       You make a great point here, deecoleworld, that as we strive to live the best we can, even if things don't work out in our old age like we hope they will, we can still feel that we have done our best.

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       deecoleworldposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Yes!!! We can't control our health and our genetics, we just got to live in the best way we can. Whatever happens in our old age our soul and heart knows we were happy and lived beautifully!!! Don't let fear stop you from living

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    John Parksposted 10 years ago

    Alzheimer's/Dementia seems to be a common fear among the aging.  We had our mother in law living with us for 4 years with Dementia and now she is in an Alzheimer's home.  It truly is a living death, watching someone you love, lose who they are and disappear into helplessness.  Mom is so frustrated, she constantly wants to go home, wherever in the past that may be.  She became angry with us for concealing the death of her parents, 40 years ago, from her.  She had to mourn all over again.  Getting lost inside your home, unable to go on walks by yourself. I would rather go on a hike in the woods, and be eaten by wild animals, than die this way.  I can't imagine a worse way to go.  Keep your mind busy and active and exercise.  Avoid to many prescription medications to lessen your risk.

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       denise.w.andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       How difficult that must have been for your family, to be accused of withholding information from a loved one! When we see our family members in compromising situations, our hearts ache!

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