Aging is a delicate topic for a lot of women.  It is right to say that women have quite the complex relationship with it. Growing old is no longer admirable to a lot of women. Whether you are  in your twenties, thirties, forties, or beyond, the fear of aging can be quite the pesky companion.

The truth is that it doesn't have to be. Growing older is inevitable. Aging can be a beautiful journey of self-discovery, confidence, and fulfilment. Its fear limits the enjoyment of the process and how much impact you can give to younger women.  

Why Do Most Women Fear Growing Older?  

The first question I would like to ask is why are women are so afraid of growing older?  Why do we dread it so much that we would do everything in our power to avoid it? 

• Unrealistic Beauty Standard About Growing Older 

Scrolling through our social media feeds, we are bombarded with images of airbrushed perfection. Flawless glowing skin sparkling like diamonds with perfect body shapes and features that are totally unrealistic. The world loves perfection.  The trueness of wrinkles, grey hairs,  laugh lines, stretch marks and breasts that have lost their elasticity from breastfeeding babies are realities people no longer treasure. It's easy to see how societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards contribute to the fear of aging. 

 It's time to change our mindset. Aging is not a bad thing after all. Beauty comes in all forms and it evolves with time. Wrinkles, laugh lines, and a few grey hairs are seen as a sign of decline.  True ages are concealed. We want to remain and look sweet sixteen while we are sixty. We forget that these wrinkles, laugh lines and grey hairs we dread so much are  badges of honour and not signs of defeat.  

In her article titled " Why Women Are Afraid of Ageing" that was featured on revoloon.com,  Egle Rackauskaite has this to say " I don’t blame these young women for wanting to alter their appearance to look more youthful and flawless. They’ve been told that it’s the only way a woman can bring value to our world and find love. If your looks are what make you precious, then you can’t lose them to the passing years." 

• Health Issues That Comes With Growing Older 

There are so many health issues that affect older women in our present times. With the sudden increase in Cervical Cancer,  Breast Cancer,  High Blood Pressure,  Diabetes, Alzheimer' Disease, Arthritis, Dementia and other prevailing ailments that are suddenly becoming more common, it's not surprising that most women are gripped with the fear of aging .  The realisation that most times these diseases happen as one grows older is disheartening.  These ailments are seen as failing. They increase the need for depending on others and death.  What we do not realise is that aging in itself is not the cause for ailment at a certain point in life. There are factors that create these hazards and one of the major factors is our lifestyle. Our diets, drinking too much 

alcoholic beverages,  lack of exercise,  drinking little or no water,  untreated sexually transmitted diseases, stress are some of these  factors.  

• Misconceptions And Cultural Bias About Aging

There are certain complex tapestry of misinformation that has been woven about aging. Recently, a popular actress Joke Silva in mid fifties who works in the Nollywood film industry in Nigeria spoke about how a woman's age doesn't limit her desires for sex.  Her statement was seen as derogatory by many Nigerians. They felt she should not say such because her husband is presently  ill and obviously not sexually active. They also claim she is too old to be thinking about sex. They took to social media to condemn her points, which were actually aimed at making women understand that despite being older,  you can still enjoy sex.  

This showcases the misconception that as a woman grows older,  her views of sex and need for it should change. She is expected to be undergoing life change like menopause. She should be less attractive or desirable than a woman in her twenties and thirties. This misconception has limited a lot of women and made growing older a fearful phase in many women's lives.  

• The Fear Of Dying Increases The Fear Of Growing Older

A person is born then he grows and then he dies.  Some women  see dying as an end to life.  It's a mystical journey to someplace unknown and totally different. The fear of the unknown makes a lot of people, especially women, fear growing older. 

• Discrimination At Work Place Associated With Growing Older 

Discrimination based on age at the workplace can indeed contribute to a fear of growing older, especially for women. The fear may arise from concerns about potential bias, fewer opportunities, or being perceived as less valuable due to age-related stereotypes. It's essential to address and combat age-related discrimination to create inclusive work environments.

The Psychological Effects Of The Fear Of Growing Older

The fear of growing older can cause a lot of psychological effects. These includes

anxieties,self doubt, low self esteem and 

depression.  

We all have had those moments of staring at our reflections in the mirror, wondering where our youthful glow went. It's most vital to remember that aging is a natural part of life that should be embraced instead of disdained.  With growing older comes experience, wisdom, and a greater understanding of who you are. There's no need to fear the process when you can embrace it as a time of personal growth and self-acceptance.

Defying Aging Stereotypes

Let's not forget those pesky stereotypes about aging. You know the ones—the idea that women should look a certain way or act a certain age. Well, it's time to throw them out the window. Your age doesn't define you, and there's no expiration date on being fabulous.

By defying these stereotypes, you're taking a stand for women everywhere. You are telling the world that you won't be confined to a box of expectations. You're embracing your unique journey and showcasing your individuality.

Practical Strategies for Conquering Aging Anxiety

How can you conquer the fear of aging and embrace your beautiful journey? 

• Love Yourself 

The first to start is by loving yourself. Self-love isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.Mindset matters too. Shift your focus from what you've lost to what you've gained. Celebrate your accomplishments, and set new goals. See beyond your failures. Look beyond how others see you.

In her article titled "  Love Yourself" on the website ANDBLOOM,  Denise Boomkens has this to say, " so when you love yourself, it's a feeling and there are things you can do to love yourself even more.  You can enjoy the things you like in life, that bring you pleasure, just be yourself.  Things that make you happy. "

• Show  Yourself Some Self-care. 

Treat yourself like the queen you are. Pamper your skin, nourish your body, and exercise your mind. Do it for yourself not because you want to please others. Look fabulous and alluring. Growing older doesn't mean you should look unkempt and undesirable. The way you look determines how confident you will feel. It boosts your self confidence. 

In the self care tips listed on The Health Of Science Blog in it's Blog post titled, " Self Care For Women:  5 Simple Steps",  it suggests that getting plenty of good sleep, eating healthy colourful diet, finding time for peace and calm everyday,  walking ,  running or stretching to stay flexible and strong and getting regular check up and preventive screening." are great ways to show love to one's self. I agree totally with this. 

• Fill Your Circle With Positive-Minded People

The people you hang around matters. Iron sharpeneth Iron. Surround yourself with positive people who uplift and empower you no matter your age. Your circle should be your cheering section, not your critics. Don't stay around people who are quick to look down or judge you.  Hang around like-minded people who see growing older as a natural phase of life that's beautiful. 

FriendsZoneSG in its article titled 5 Ways Your Friendship Changes As You Grow Older elaborates, " many friendships reveal their importance as we grow older and when life gets tougher;  even when you lose friends over the years,  the truest ones will make themselves known. Though friendships may become more challenging to maintain,  it's possible to make them a priority in your busy schedule and enjoy fulfilling,  mutually rewarding relationships" 

The Power Of Self Acceptance

Self-acceptance is the key to embracing aging gracefully. Love yourself, including your flaws and imperfections. Those laugh lines? They're a testament to the joy you've experienced. Grey hairs? A sign of your wisdom. Accepting yourself as you are is incredibly liberating. It frees you from the fear of judgement and allows you to be unapologetically you. When you shine with self-acceptance, you inspire others to do the same.

In Conclusion 

Countless women around the world are walking the same path, conquering their fear of aging and embracing their beautiful selves. So, let's be a sisterhood of empowerment. Let's share our stories, our triumphs, and our lessons. Let's lift each other up, celebrate each other's uniqueness, and stand together in confidence.

Your beauty is timeless, and your spirit is ageless. So, go ahead, embrace the process and let your light shine. It's time to conquer the fear of growing older and live your life with grace, confidence, and radiance.

Ladies, here's to aging gracefully and embracing every moment of it.