Why You Shouldn't Fear Getting Old

Fear of getting older? That fear can stem from a lot of different anxieties, so it may be helpful to nail down exactly what is frightening you.

Perhaps you are afraid that the 20-something junior associate will get your job? Being an older employee can give you a leg up, believe me. Confidence and maturity in the workplace go a long way. Just keep demonstrating to yourself and others that you bring expertise that comes only with years of doing the gig, and continue to upgrade your skills and evolve as your company or position does.

The Beauty of Aging

Maybe you are worried about waking up one day and not recognizing yourself in the mirror? In today's youth-obsessed culture, more and more people associate aging with losing beauty and even love and respect. It's important that you don't let yourself succumb to superficial aging stresses. Instead, reframe your traits as positives (those forehead lines are like tiger stripes; you've lived a good life and earned them!). You may even be happier with your looks as you age.

Friendships get better with age. You have more memories, and the time spent together feels more precious. Remind yourself that no one is going to love you less. The relationships that matter—the ones you put work into maintaining—will continue to thrive.

Getting older might also trigger anxieties about becoming sick or dying. Fearing death is as normal as it gets. But if you're living well, you're in your prime at 40.

Health Aging Habits

Perhaps you're more worried about losing your lucidity. True, some mental and physical decline is part of the natural aging process—everyone will go through it. The good news is that you can improve your chances of maintaining a healthy mind by taking care of yourself. This includes exercising daily, eating well, taking care of any health problems, getting plenty of sleep, learning new things, and staying socially engaged.

If you're wondering what type of exercise is best for the aging process? Research shows that endurance exercise–like running, swimming, or bicycling–and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) both slowed signs of aging compared to lifting weights–at least on the cellular level.

Still, if you're taking care of yourself on all fronts (exercising, eating right, saving money for retirement), you are already controlling what you can to live your best life long-term.

It sounds cliché, but don't forget that with age comes wisdom, experience, often a wider circle of loved ones, and more comfort and security in your sense of self. Those are things worth looking forward to.

Gail Saltz, MD, is a psychiatrist and television commentator in New York City who specializes in health, sex, and relationships.