Gerascophobia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gerascophobia (Greek: θα γεράσω, gerazo, "I am ageing" and φόβος, phobos, "fear")[1] is an abnormal or persistent fear of growing old or ageing.[2] The term comes from the Greek γέρος "geros" (old man) and "phobos" (fear).[3] Gerascophobia is a clinical phobia generally classified under specific phobias, fears of a single specific panic trigger.

Some authors also refer to it as gerontophobia, although this may also refer to the fear of the elderly.[1]

Gerascophobia may be based on anxieties of being left alone, without resources and incapable of caring for oneself,[4] Sufferers may be young and healthy.

Symptoms include the fear of the future and the fear of needing to rely on others to do daily functions. Many also fear they will not play an active role in society when they get older. [5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Perspectives on Aging, by Priscilla W. Johnston, 1982, ISBN 0-88410-734-5, pp. 239-241
  2. ↑ Definition of gerascophobia
  3. ↑ "Definition of Gerascophobia". MedicineNet.com. Retrieved 18 September 2011. 
  4. ↑ John G. Robertson, An Excess of Phobias and Manias, p. 90.
  5. ↑ "Symptoms of Gerascophobia". Retrieved 29 September 2011. 
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