Life Begins At...

L I F E S T Y L E I n a world where social media has inundated our lives and acronyms have common place in our language, I thought it appropriate to add a new one "FOGO". In keeping pace with the modern world, I thought we should embrace the latest trends and have a baby boomer specifi c acronym to highlight the "fear of growing old". Do you suffer from FOGO, a fear of growing old? You are not alone, it's one of the most common fears among the baby boomers, especially as we are living longer. However, if the fear fi lls you with anxiety and removes the joy of living the life you deserve, then the issue needs to be addressed. I invited some friends to share their fears and the fears of their elderly parents about ageing. Not surprisingly they were to do with chronic illness, physical and mental deterioration and lack of fi nances to be able to live a comfortable life, such as: • What if I am struck down with dementia, or a chronic disease, or can't look after myself? • What if I develop unmanageable pain or am physically helpless but mentally sharp? How will I be able to carry on? • What if I can't afford a roof over my head, food in my mouth and to pay the bills? • What if I am a burden on family and friends? • What if I can't manage the simple things in life like bathing, feeding, toileting and putting myself to bed? Speaking from personal experience, there are two very dangerous words in the English language when coined together, "what and if." For some people, these two little words may lead to all sorts of hypothetical, unhealthy questions and thoughts, which fi re up the adrenalin and get those anxiety juices hurtling through your body and really playing havoc. Even writing the "What if" type questions gives me goosebumps, it is a problematic way of thinking. The biggest issue is when someone ruminates over a specifi c issue, like the "what if" questions. They spiral into an anxious or depressed state and this is not a helpful place to be. I spent the best part of 20 years ruminating, self-obsessing, over things in the distant future and had to learn strategies to avoid this behavior. The easiest way for me to describe ruminating, is to imagine being on the mouse wheel in a cage, running around and around in circles and not knowing when or how to get off. If you or someone you know is obsessing like this over ageing, there are professionals who can assist. GIVE "FOGO" THE FLICK Instead of getting bogged down in the "FOGO", why not put a positive spin on ageing and develop a plan for living a healthy and active future. In my book Ageing Fearlessly for Women, I developed a strategy that works for me. The title suggests it is gender specifi c but there are many chapters that are benefi cial to men. Here are 10 tips to help you face your future with optimism. 1 A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE The best way to alleviate fears about your health is to address them. Regular medical check-ups will assist you to stay on top of your health issues. Your GP is your friend, the person who knows how to take care of you. Find one you trust and visit them regularly. Tell them your concerns and never be embarrassed. Don't worry they have heard it all. 2 LET'S DO AN 'OLIVIA' AND GET PHYSICAL Why not put some spring in your step and get your body moving? What better way to stay healthy? Moving your body is also FOGO Is the fear of growing old ruining your quality of life? Karen Sander shares her tips to ageing fearlessly. Fear of growing old lifebeginsat.com.au Winter 2019 78

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