Is it normal to think about dying as you get older?
Yes—thinking about death can become more noticeable as you get older, and it doesn’t automatically mean anything is wrong. It matters whether these thoughts are about mortality in general or about wanting to die.
As you get older, it’s natural to take stock of life and become more aware that it’s finite. Some people feel curious or reflective; others find the thoughts unsettling, especially during stressful times or after a loss. There’s no single “normal” amount of thinking about it.
If you mean you’re wishing you wouldn’t wake up, thinking about hurting yourself, or making a plan, that’s different from ordinary reflection—and you deserve support. Tell someone you trust, and if you might act on those thoughts, contact emergency services or a crisis line now. In the U.S. or Canada, call or text 988.