On the surface, it seems we are a society obsessed with maintaining our youthful look, a desire to be and feel younger, but what really is our fear about getting older/aging?
Skin Care- The Wrinkles
Here I am just “scratching the surface”. What we see can often be a source of stress or dissatisfaction about aging.
Maybe you have been there. Those pesky “11” lines or the “crows feet” that have been bugging you for years. Easy fix right? It certainly isn’t easy to perhaps not see ourselves as we once were, but does eliminating those “problem areas” help significantly with the fear of aging?
I do use Retinol or prescription Tretinoin from my dermatologist, cleanse with Lancer’s “The Method” and do what I can to keep my skin looking good. But the fear of aging, doesn’t stop there.
AGING- WHAT ARE WE REALLY AFRAID OF?
This post came to mind as we moved my mom into a 55+ community here near us, about 15 minutes away. Much of the community is in their 70’s and 80s and it had me thinking.
When I think about this I wonder, “Are we scared of all of the things that comes with aging? Are we only concerned with the sagging, jowls, and/or wrinkles that may come with age? Sure, they aren’t fun to have, but I think it is something deeper .
Thinking about some of those in the spotlight, Bruce Willis, comes to mind. I actually have known 2-3 older people with Dementia. My Father in Law, who was diagnosed when he was 87, and a neighbor. I often think that the idea of “losing oneself ” as much more frightening than some lines on your face.
What can we do? Many times, hereditary or genetics plays a part, but we can certainly work on our brain as years go by. I, uncomfortably joke when I can’t come up with a word and slough it off as “Menobrain” or “Over50brain”. Really, I feel I shouldn’t be losing words at 56. I did have to watch with medication, as I take Lyrica, and had to lower the dose, because of this.
If you have Apple, and Ipad or Phone, you can play word games such as “Quartiles.” I have a love hate relationship with it and certainly do better in the mornings rather than evenings. Keeping your mind active is one thing that will help you with cognition. Any brain teasers or word games would be helpful. Doing crossword puzzles or word games will also keep the brain active
LONLINESS
Are we worried about losing friends and family in later years? Finding it difficult to connect with people after retirement or as we age? These are a few of the concerns, as we get older that can make us feel isolated or alone. As we get older, socialization remains important. Take a class, talk with other people, get involved.
HEALTH ISSUES
The worry about health declining is a real one. Keeping up with doctor’s appointments and being proactive is one way to keep up with one’s help. We worry about illness such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s, cancer or other debilitating diseases. I also know several older people ( in their 80s and 90’s) where some doctors don’t believe that they need to keep up with certain tests. My MIL was told at the age of 80, that she didn’t need a mamogram, later to find out she had breast cancer.
FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN
Let’s face it, the fear of the unknown, of death, is what I would consider our main justifiable fear, for certain. Not knowing what comes next is a fear that many people have. Some people find peace with their faith.
Mobility and Using Your Brain
Moving. We need to move. We weren’t made to just sit on our bums all day. With that would come weakness in muscles, and energy.
Even a bit of movement is better than none. I am not one that succumbs to the “New Year New You ” adage. I do think however, we can take stock of our health and make some goals or changes. Keeping up with medical appointments, socializing, learning new things, are just some ways we can try to keep “on top of things”, as we age.
We certainly don’t have control over everything, but adjusting what we can, and what we know about aging can help some.
