Gerascophobia: The Fear of Growing Old

Gerascophobia is the extreme and irrational fear of growing old.

I don't know of many people who actually look forward to getting older, but those with Gerascophobia are so afraid of growing old that they will have anxiety attacks and break out into sweats just at the thought of getting older.

Some with this phobia may even wish to die at a young age so that they don't get old. They fear the unknown and they fear mental diseases, having to wear diapers, being lonely, losing their independence and a multitude of other things.

If you have Gerascophobia please share your story. Why are you afraid of growing old?