Is it normal to be scared of getting old?

A lot of people feel uneasy about getting older, even if they don’t say it out loud. It can be less about the number itself and more about what you imagine might come with it: changes to your body, less independence, or uncertainty about the future.

You don’t have to force yourself to feel positive about aging. It can help to notice what part scares you most and focus on what’s in your hands now—your relationships, interests, and the things that make life feel meaningful. And if the fear is taking over your day-to-day life, talking it through with someone you trust can help.