NPR: Survey: Fears About Getting Older Differ Around Globe

Survey: Fears About Getting Older Differ Around Globe

I confess to having a few worries about growing old since passing the big 5-0, especially when the AARP tried to sign me up. But I was intrigued to see that what people fret about when it comes to aging differs from country to country, according to an international survey.

The survey, conducted by GfK Roper Consulting, a global market-research firm, found that Germans worry most about losing their memories or mental sharpness, The Boston Globe reports. The Dutch worry about gaining weight, while Brazilians fear losing their sex drive and their teeth. Thais are concerned about their eyesight. And Egyptians don't seem to worry about aging much at all.

(My wife, an expert on the Middle East, offered an interesting take on Egyptians' attitudes toward growing old. The trade-off for aging is supposed to be that you become a respected elder in your community, right? Well, that's the case in much of Egyptian society, she says, but perhaps not as true in the West, where so much value is placed on youth.)

And Americans ... well, we worry about a few things: loss of energy, trouble caring for ourselves, memory loss and weight gain.

I fall into the weight-gain concerns camp. Anyone else willing to 'fess up to what worries them about growing old?

1:50 PM ET | 11- 6-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I'm with the Germans (and some of the Americans, I guess). The idea of developing dementia or Alzheimer's scares me more than anything when it comes to aging. They can have my teeth.

Sent by Erica Ryan | 1:56 PM ET | 11-06-2007

Getting old and loosing your marbles, that's more concerning. There are men who will do anything while they are getting old: chase the young women, lie about their real age, buy new cars- right when before hitting the 50's.
Very sad.

Sent by Maniakos Mitsos | 3:22 PM ET | 11-06-2007

I am 47 and have celebrated being alive after being diagnosed with cancer. I had surgery and went trought chemo and radiation. I don't worry about getting old. What's the meaning of 'getting old' anyway? I know that much of how I get old it's up to me, so I do my sudoku and play as many games as can for my mind, get a firm grip on my weight, preserve my health with care, and protect my freedom and indepence with passion. Life is intoxicating, and, like a good wine, it's going to be great till the last drop.

Sent by Francesca Monte | 5:17 PM ET | 11-06-2007

I agree that celebrating life is the way to go. Age is only a number ... youth is a mindset/lifestyle regardless of age. I only hope I pass in a 'comfortable way'. Do the right things health-wise, live the right way with your brothers and sisters, and celebrate every new day that you are here on earth. O, and don't forget to floss daily!

Sent by Jeff | 5:45 PM ET | 11-06-2007

You go Francesca! You beat cancer. Being old means nothing anymore. But there are vain people and sociopaths out there, who will do anything to hide their age and I was suprised that men lie will more than women on that issue.
But we women are stronger than men and men are more fearful of death and living alone.

Sent by Omorfi gyneka | 8:10 PM ET | 11-06-2007

I hit the big 80 Sunday and revel in the fact that I have gotten this far and still feel great! I can't believe some people complain at 50. At 50 I was in my prime and climbed Mt. McKinley at 54! Also I'm still downhill skiing and was an active ski patroller until 2003 and patrolled for 37 years.

Sent by Fran Combar | 9:49 PM ET | 11-06-2007

Since my father, who is 92, developed dementia, I have two worries, weight and mental acuity (or losing one's marbles as Maniakos put above). Having an elderly parent who is failing is eye-opening. I agree with Francesca--life is intoxicating, and aging is totally different now than when I was a kid. However, I will still worry about my weight, something I learned from my father.

Sent by julia ann evans | 7:40 AM ET | 11-07-2007

To celebrate life is important. I intend to do so as I age. However, the thing that is most fearful about growing old is that one can do everything "right", i.e. eat right, exercise, etc., and still get cancer, dementia or whatever. The fear of getting old, like the fear of death, is really about the fear of the unknown. At some point we all have to come to the realization that, in the end, we have no control over whether or not we get sick or how we will go. That is what fuels my fear.

Sent by Tim | 12:02 PM ET | 11-07-2007

Old people are n00bz. Get a life! ...oh wait...

Sent by NOT a geezer | 9:56 PM ET | 11-08-2007

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