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What is the fear of aging called? -

The fear, or phobia, of aging is also known as gerascophobia. Negative experiences can be at the root of this particular phobia.

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Is it normal to fear aging? -

Fear of aging is especially prevalent when you think about how often you receive images focusing on youth-centered advertisements. This can affect your self-esteem, as well as your psychological and emotional well-being.

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How to overcome it -

Even if it won't happen overnight, there are steps you can take to help you overcome the fear of aging. The following tips can help you feel better about how your life is constantly evolving. 

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Change your perspective -

Your attitude is what determines how you see things. Choosing to embrace life and the aging process can help free your mind from the anxieties and concerns about getting older.

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Ways to change your perspective -

Instead of counting the number of years you have left, think about all the experiences you've had and can still have, and focus on living your best life every day. And instead of wishing you were younger, be grateful for what you've accomplished and the years you've lived.

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Learn to love yourself -

Learning to love yourself is a life-long process. Compared to self-esteem, which is about confidence, self-love is about having regard for your well-being and happiness. And it's also unconditional.

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Accept your emotions -

Instead of avoiding how you’re feeling, process the way you feel. Acknowledge your feelings instead of trying to suppress them.

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Do what makes you happy -

Do the things that make you happy. Carving out time for the things that matter the most to you will help you live a more joyful and fulfilling life.

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Live in the present -

Don't waste your energy on worrying about what was and what will be. Focus on what you have now by living in the present.

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Determine who you are -

Take the time to get to know yourself and your values. You're then more likely to live a life in a way that resonates with what’s important to you.

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Take care of your body -

Finding time each day for proper exercise and nutrition will help boost your feel-good receptors. You'll also get more energy and feel good about yourself.

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Accept the aging process -

Aging doesn't mean that your life has ended. Accept the process and understand that there’s beauty to be found at every stage of life. Living in a way that brings you fulfillment tends to get better as you get older. You'll also understand who you are and what you stand for.

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Live in gratitude -

It can be difficult to live in gratitude when you're feeling down. But start with the basics, like your health, friends, family, pets, abilities, and your home. Living in gratitude can have a positive effect on both your mental and physical well-being.

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Make every moment count -

With aging, you also realize how fragile life is. By making every moment count, you're inspired to live a life full of purpose.

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How to make every moment count -

You can find purpose by simply creating the time in your day to enjoy your friends and family. You'll create memories and fill your life with joy.

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Treat problems as an adventure -

It's easy to feel like a victim when you have a problem. To better deal with them, treat these difficulties the same way you'd prepare for an adventure. Look for information, talk to a professional, and treat it like a new interesting challenge.

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Live for others -

Learning to live a selfless life may help bring you fulfillment that you have never imagined. For example, you can validate others' feelings and emotions, and help when people are in need. However, living for others doesn’t mean neglecting yourself.

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Build your legacy -

Control the narrative of your life by building the legacy that you want to leave behind. This could be by philanthropic donations or even the memories you’ve created with others.

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Stop comparing -

Sometimes it’s hard to overlook others' successes without feeling envious, but comparing yourself will only rob you of your joy. When you make an effort to stop comparing, then you'll find more joy in your life.

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Create cheerful daily habits -

Having cheerful daily habits is a great way to ensure you keep making the positive choices you need. This could be making your morning coffee while listening to some music, or getting outdoors and into nature—you choose!

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Embrace your fears -

As people get older, they tend to slow down, either by choice or necessity. For many, this creates a space where fears can come up more strongly. To grow old happily, face these fears early on.

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Enjoy your life -

When you age, it’s natural to start thinking about things like who will take care of you, and how you'll pay for the things you need. To prepare for the future, come up with a viable plan, set it in motion, and relax about it.

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Explore the world -

When you're older, you don't need anyone's permission to do the things you enjoy. Explore the world around you by visiting areas nearby, as well as by going to faraway places.

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Tips for overcoming the fear of looking older -

Our society emphasizes aesthetics and also equates a youthful appearance with attractiveness. As this can impact our self-esteem, even becoming a legitimate fear, we must work on embracing the different stages in our lives. This will help us overcome our fear of looking older.

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Decide what beauty is to you -

Beauty comes in all forms. Learn to appreciate the beauty you see around you and in everyday people. Set aside society's ideas of how we should look, and you'll be able to appreciate your own beauty.

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Don’t sweat the small stuff -

Stress not only affects our emotional state, but also our physical appearance. It can change the proteins in our skin, reducing its elasticity and contributing to wrinkle formation. Therefore, try implementing a few stress management techniques, such as light exercise, meditating, or even taking a nap.

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Go for comfort -

Give yourself a break from uncomfortable shoes and clothes. By ditching these, you'll notice that you look and feel better. As we age, our bodies and styles change. Consider revamping your style for your current lifestyle.

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Be true to yourself -

Avoid letting the influence of people and marketing determine attractiveness. Once you overcome your genuine fears of aging, you'll understand that your health and happiness is what truly matters.

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Getting older is liberating -

Living a life well-lived helps you to accept the next phase. And when you can accept the natural order of our life cycle, you'll become much more at ease. 

Sources: (Psychology Today) (Cake) (Next Avenue)

See also: The most helpful beginner tips for meditating 

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