The denial of aging has become increasingly prevalent in modern society. For women, this often manifests as a pursuit of cosmetic surgery, while men may engage in rigorous physical exercise to maintain their fitness. Experts suggest that acceptance of aging and its implications is key to mitigating the distress associated with it.
According to Javier García Campayo, a professor of Psychiatry at the University of Zaragoza and a physician at the Miguel Servet University Hospital, earlier generations did not experience age-related psychological crises as frequently as people do today. This shift is attributed to increased life expectancy, advancements in technology, and current living standards. García Campayo highlights that the crisis typically encountered in one”s forties—the most common of the three major crises—stems from unmet personal expectations regarding life achievements, such as parenthood, career milestones, and romantic relationships.
He notes that as individuals reach their forties, they often confront the reality of missed opportunities, leading to frustration. This is compounded by the awareness of aging, prompting a desire to remain youthful. Many individuals in this age group may seek significant life changes, such as new relationships with partners significantly younger than themselves, or may impulsively turn to intense physical activity or cosmetic procedures to mask the signs of aging.
Turning to the crisis experienced in one”s fifties, García Campayo asserts that this period is more closely associated with the acceptance of age-related changes and often relates to professional aspects of life. While less widespread than the crisis of the forties, it frequently affects those who have achieved significant career success. In a consumer-driven society, individuals may find themselves feeling dissatisfied despite having attained their goals, leading to a search for meaning and fulfillment through humanitarian efforts or spiritual pursuits.
In this context, he explains that individuals may become involved with charities or even establish their own organizations as a means of enhancing their sense of purpose. Additionally, the crisis during this decade often pertains to workplace dynamics, as many companies perceive older employees as less productive, leading to their replacement with younger, less expensive talent. This transition can severely impact personal relationships and family life.
Finally, regarding the crisis of the sixties, García Campayo points out that this stage is more centered on spirituality and the legacy one leaves behind. Approaching retirement, many individuals reflect on their life”s impact and ponder questions about mortality. He discusses a theory on the fear of death that suggests humans are aware of their mortality from a young age, and as they age, they grapple with the reality that their time is limited.
Some individuals may engage in denial or escape into new hobbies, while others may connect with spiritual matters. The concept of “sexalescence” refers to a desire to maintain youthfulness and vitality into one”s sixties, characterized by an active lifestyle and a quest for sexual vitality. García Campayo notes that, despite societal ageism, many people in their fifties and sixties report higher levels of happiness than in their twenties or thirties, as they learn to seek contentment from within rather than from external achievements.
Ultimately, he emphasizes that these crises stem from a heightened awareness of life”s impermanence, prompting many to search for deeper meaning through spirituality. However, some may also resort to denial as a coping mechanism to avoid confronting the existential anxieties tied to aging and mortality.
