Last night, I thought about how old I’ll clock in a few days and what came to my mind was, ‘Mmadu ana agbada’ (Man is fast ageing).
As human beings, it’s our nature to fear growing old. It is called FOGO ( Fear Of Growing Old), an ageing anxiety that creeps in before middle age and gets worse as the years go by. By middle age and above, the reality of ageing dawns and the days lived are weighed with the days ahead.
By this age, many questions or worries usually occupy the mind. Excitement and pleasure begin to dwindle. Feelings of either fulfilment or regret start to set in. Societal judgment starts counting. Some people start reducing their age to feel good. Some consider themselves ‘no longer young’ to do certain things because society will tell them they are too old for that. And they start to feel old, think old and of course, look old.
Since ageing is an inevitable process, accepting it, planning for it and being mentally prepared for it is the best way to go. Age is a number, they say. You can be old in age but young in mind. Why worry about ageing when worry brings anxiety and blind panic? Instead of worrying about the inexorable passage of time and the change it brings, be prepared to confront ageing and the process wholeheartedly, After all, it’s a rare blessing to see old age.
The physical decline, inactivity, loss of independence and other elements of ageing can be completely sorted if one is positive, prepared and happy while ageing. Seek a life of stability before it’s too late. Make beautiful memories to keep your mind sweet in old age. Take nice photographs to stare at and admire your younger looks. Create meaningful relationships. Live and love to your fullest capacity. Forgive all hurts and disappointments. Whatever you wish to change in the past years, do so now. Find your happiness where it lies not minding what people will say. Keep and maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet. These reduce the weight of FOTO and prepare the mind for a graceful and happy ageing.
For me, feeling younger is more important than looking younger and having a positive attitude toward life is more healthy than having a wholesome diet.
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu
