Do You Suffer From FOGO — Fear of Getting Old?

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Something is trying to kill me! It may sound crazy, but it’s a statement I frequently hear my contemporaries express as they worry about a myriad of looming health problems. Are aches, pains and illnesses the first thing we talk about when we meet? I’ve always known there would be challenges with aging, but I wasn’t expecting the almost daily comments I hear that reflect a growing uneasiness that “something” is out to get us.

Are we living in fear, waiting to hear about the neighbor who slipped in the kitchen and broke her hip? Or the friend whose biopsy needed further surgery? One week, it’s a telephone call about a friend who had a stroke. Another day, you might hear about a relative who had a heart attack. One friend repeatedly tells me she’s happy she “woke up on this side of the grass,” a statement that certainly sets a low bar for positive thinking!

Let’s end “woe is me.”

We all know we should keep up with screenings, physician check-ups and vaccinations. It goes without saying that we should maintain healthy diets and exercise. You probably get emails from health sites and Medicare reminding you to keep cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels in normal ranges. Why not take advantage of cardiovascular disease screenings and diagnostic lab tests covered by Medicare Part B if your doctor thinks they are appropriate? Did you know Medicare also offers a Diabetes Prevention Program with group sessions you can attend virtually, in person or both?

“It’s empowering when we have a sense of control,” said Dr. Rachel B. R. Chalmer, a geriatrician at the Montefiore Einstein Center for the Aging Brain. “I tell my patients to switch the tone and think more about the gifts of aging — resilience, strength and wisdom.”

Be inspired by age, not by infirmity.

It may be challenging to maintain a positive outlook in the face of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis and more. And then there’s unexpected news we may hear about, such as a skin cancer after years of lying in the sun or a diagnosis of kidney disease, lung, pancreatic or esophageal cancer, or even a condition we’ve never heard of. And, as people age, they can be more likely to experience more than one condition at the same time.

Let’s be proactive. The National Institute on Aging offers tips on aging and how behaviors related to nutrition, activity and keeping up with checkups can support physical, cognitive and mental health. While aging inevitably increases the risk of illness or a decline in thinking abilities, it’s not just major illnesses we need to be aware of; don’t forget check-ups for hearing loss, cataracts and depression.

Memory Challenges

Beyond concerns for physical health, we’ve all experienced moments when we can’t come up with a name or other piece of information. Is poor memory normal aging or the prospect of dementia?

The Lancet Commission Report on dementia intervention and care, written by leading experts in the field, identified 14 modifiable risk factors, including the use of hearing aids. If you are concerned, why not make an appointment for an evaluation with a physician?

Dr. Chalmer, who is also an associate professor in Geriatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said there’s a better chance of success if someone who thinks they are having memory issues sees a doctor earlier. “Feeling that your memory isn’t what it used to be is a normal part of aging, but a diagnosis gap can lead to missed opportunities for connections with treatment, resources and support,” she said. “Planning is important to avoid accidents, as well as medication and financial errors.”

Take Charge

Remind yourself of the mantra you probably told your children as they were growing up — listen to your body. Don’t ignore symptoms and only depend on self-diagnosis using “Dr. Internet.” Think of the way you feel when your car or appliances start to break down sooner than you expected. You hate calling a repairman, but it’s better to deal with the problem before it gets worse.

Life shifts unexpectedly and quickly, and even with good health practices, something can occur. Don’t hesitate to share experiences that may lead to saving a life. Recently, a friend went to the doctor for a check-up after a slight staining of blood on her panties, something she might have ignored in the past. Knowing that her friend had a similar symptom and was diagnosed with uterine cancer, she ended up needing treatment as well.

It’s time to stop reading obituaries in the daily newspaper, noting ages and scanning for a cause. We must strive to avoid paranoia and take charge of our health, recognizing that we are barraged by television ads for illnesses that may befall us, complete with scary medication side effects in small print.

Perhaps I’ve been overreacting to the feeling that something is trying to get me. I’m going to stick with the facts and stop the chatter about whether we are destined to have dueling walkers or canes when we meet. Find hope in the mortality studies by the National Center for Health Statistics, documenting that women outlive men by several years.

“Worrying about things you can’t control can disrupt sleep, appetite or lead to social withdrawal,” said Dr. Chalmer. “It’s important to stay active. If you like yoga but don’t think you can sit on the floor, do chair yoga!”


 Are any of you facing health challenges right now? Let us know in the comments below.