5. Discuss the fear of growing old.

Definition of the word Fear from Websters Dictionary: 1. An emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight).

2. An anxious feeling; "care had aged him"; "they hushed it up out of fear of public reaction".


Many fear growing old because they anticipate the pain they might face in their old age, be it physical,emotional or mental. As one ages, his body constituition weakens resulting in aching joints, slip disks, cataracts etc. They will no doubt suffer if they do contact these ailments. Thus many people fear growing old because they fear having to go through the pain of these ailments that are associated with ageing.

The fear of being left alone also becomes more evident as people grow old. This is especially so for single parents as they have no spouses to "grow old with" and their children might neglect them due to heavy workload. Some fear that their children might find them a nuisance and send them to the old folks home so as to shirk the responsibilty of caring for them. Others who have spouses fear that the other will leave before them leaving them all alone. Thus this fear of loneliness and neglect makes people afraid of growing old.

Another fear that people have of growing old is that they lose the sense of respect they used to have in the past. As one grows old, he reaches the stage of retirement. He might feel as if he has lost his status and becomes an average elderly. As one grows old and becomes weaker both physically and mentally,his actions and thoughts also becomes slower. Everyone else in his community might start to treat him like a child. Thus, the fear of the lost of respect makes people afraid of growing old.

In conclusion, many fear growing old because of the factors that are associated with growing old. For instance, having to go though the pain of ailments, losing respect and the loneliness they would face. This dislike for how others will view them ones they grow old makes many afraid of it.

Done by, Charmain (11)

i am who i am
11:43 AM