Does anyone here have a fear of growing old?

[jadiesan]

Does anyone here have a fear of growing old? It's called gerascophobia. I thought I was aging pretty well (I'm 61), but recently I have my doubts. For the first time in years, I finally got the nerve to look at the back of my head after I had a haircut. I was shocked to see how much I'm balding back there. I knew I was going bald, but I didn't realize how badly. I wear a baseball cap 100% of the time so people won't know about my baldness. I also don't like how the skin on the back of my hands are getting dry and wrinkly. My face is also puffy. Sometimes I feel like dying rather than face the inevitable of growing old.

[hypercat54]

I am older than you and growing old is inevitable if you are lucky enough to live that long. Growing old gracefully is a choice.

[jadiesan in reply to hypercat54]

Maybe i have to deal with that

[hypercat54 in reply to jadiesan]

We all do. Old age ain't for sissies!

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to hypercat54]

True that! Old age is not for sissies. May I add that adolescence, young adulthood , and middle age aren’t for sissies either. Add it all up and you realize that life isn’t for sissies. Folks on this site know that as well as anybody…..it ain’t easy!

[hypercat54]

Um..you do realise your picture will go viral and will appear anywhere on the net unless you lock your posts to this community?

[sweetiepye]

Hello jadiesan, It looks like you're doing some modeling for art classes. I have a degree in fine art and recognize the set up. Those were fun days for me . I am 74 now and facing some of the issues you mentioned. I wear a baseball cap a lot to hide my thinning hair. I'm thinking of getting one of those little half wigs that cover the top of your head to give extra volume . I try to look well kempt and I dress in a youthful manner , but I'm careful not to be ridiculous . I keep things simple as in jeans , tee shirts and sandals along with pedi and mani and then I don't worry about it.You look very pretty and youthful . Enjoy this time of your life. There is a certain richness to it that comes from having experienced so much. By now you know what you like and what you want to throw out . I think by this time it's ok to be a little selfish and focus on you. Do the things that make you feel good about yourself. Remember, you look lovely.

[jadiesan in reply to sweetiepye]

Thank you so much for your advice

[jadiesan in reply to jadiesan]

Now i try to take up yoga everyday to keep my shape.I want to give you free ebook,You should try to improve your physique tinyurl.com/sumnu66m

[Arymretep]

Hi, I’m 73 this year, and actually I’m more concerned about my health than how I look, I’m lucky in that my hair has stayed quite thick , actually wearing a cap all the time is no good for your hair either, have you tried any hair supplements , and my skin isn’t too bad though it’s much drier than it used to be, moisturising as much as possible is the answer.I have fibro arthritis and RA which has got worse with age.

[Meowandruff]

It is difficult to get used to not getting attention for being young and attractive when you have experienced it for most of your life. I think women are judged on this basis too. An upside I can think of is that we don't have to worry about it anymore. Dress as you like, do what you like. Stay healthy and enjoy life.

[Arymretep in reply to Meowandruff]

I so agree , as I’ve got older I care less what everyone thinks of me, and like the poem says, When I grow old I shall wear Purple 👍

Hope it’s ok to post this poem 😊

When I grow old poem

[Roxylox in reply to Arymretep]

I absoutely love this! Great sassy attitude in there.

[jadiesan in reply to Meowandruff]

Thanks

[gerrerd]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ! its whats inside the body not the temple, a beautiful person is far better than appearances. You look ok to me xx

[Midori]

I don't fear getting old; I'm already there!

I'm 73, and I know however you fight against it, age will catch up to you, but I don't intend to age gracefully; I'm going for the Hell's Granny Look!

I wear jeans and Teeshirts with sarcastic comments, no makeup, and couldn't give a darn!

Yes, I haven't much hair left, Fight to keep my weight within bounds, skin is fragile, knees are wrecked, eyesight failing, But I live behind my eyes, and don't have to look at myself more than twice a day, so I don't care! I also have Fibromyalgia, so pain is a constant companion.

Cheers,Midori

[littlemawther]

mmm-depends what u mean by old i'd settle for 69-truly69 all the time-lot older now-a friend of mine said they hated being 90 or so and refused to see anyone then, i never see anyone on my dob most dont even know it-a good tip is to think of people doing well who are olde than you-61 is nothing,its young !so fix your hair,wear a Scarf, have facials,people vary v much and men dont know how old women are !lol