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How to deal with aging anxiety?

Aging Well | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (61)

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@grahmilou, first I want to say that what you are feeling is not uncommon. It is often referred to as "senior onset anxiety". The stresses and changes that sometimes go along with aging—poor health, memory problems, and losses—can cause an anxiety disorder. Common fears about aging can lead to anxiety. Many older adults are afraid of falling, being unable to afford living expenses and medication, being victimized, being dependent on others, being left alone, death. You are not alone feeling this way.

You might also find this related discussion helpful:
- Senior anxiety: How do you manage new on-set anxiety as you age? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/senior-anxiety/

The good news is you can get help. Have you discussed your feelings with the primary care physician? Have you considered talking with a therapist or social worker?

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Replies to "@grahmilou, first I want to say that what you are feeling is not uncommon. It is..."

@colleenyoung I counsel others as a psychotherapist. But it doesn’t make me immune. I just needed some place to share. Young therapists have NO clue as to what the challenges of aging are emotionally. Platitudes are unhelpful. Someone coming alongside and reducing the aloneness of the journey helps. Thx