Almost two out of three Italians when they think about old age are frightened by the idea of losing mental clarity. According to a recent study by LongevityLab, this is in fact the main fear linked to aging, more than the loss of autonomy and independence and physical deterioration.
Italy is among the countries with the highest life expectancy in the world. According to Istat data, the over 65s represent around a quarter of the Italian population and their share will continue to increase in the coming decades. This means that we will live longer on average than previous generations, but this does not automatically mean that we will live a better old age. Despite medical advances, improved nutrition and hygienic conditions, most of us, while wishing to live longer, still fear what a longer old age could imply: chronic diseases, memory loss, dependence on others, loneliness and physical decline.
A recent survey conducted by LongevityLab on a representative sample of Italians between 18 and 60 years old shows that what we fear most about old age are cognitive dementias. Although with age it may be normal to decrease the speed with which we retrieve information or learn something new, as many as 60% of Italians are afraid that old age also leads to the onset of some form of dementia, or a progressive loss of cognitive functions such as to compromise daily life, such as the possible onset of a form of Alzheimer’s.
51% fear the loss of independence, i.e. no longer being able to drive, shop, cook, remember appointments, climb stairs or take care of themselves independently. On the other hand, this fear also has a biological explanation. Human beings are an extremely social but also profoundly autonomous species: the brain interprets the loss of one’s abilities as a threat to well-being and survival.
The fear of old age also concerns the body. In fact, 34% of respondents fear physical deterioration. Muscle mass physiologically decreases with age, a phenomenon called sarcopenia. At the same time, bone density decreases, the risk of falls increases and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and osteoporosis become more frequent.
More than a quarter of those interviewed are instead frightened by the thought of losing loved ones (28%) and by the onset of illnesses or the development of disabilities (28%).
Less common, however, are fears linked to becoming a burden on family members or other people (19%), not being able to afford the necessary care and assistance (18%).
However, one of the least considered aspects concerns the social dimension. Numerous studies show that isolation and loneliness increase the risk of depression, cognitive impairment and mortality. Having satisfying social relationships therefore represents a real protective factor for health. However, only 17% say they are scared of loneliness and only 7% of the idea of no longer being able to pursue their hobbies.
When we say we are afraid of old age, we are actually talking about something much more complex and articulated by age. Overall, Italians’ thoughts on old age are rather pessimistic: just over one in five Italians (21%) believe that their expectation of old age will be better than that of those experiencing it today, while more than a third (37%) predict a future that is even worse than the current one. However, many (41%) are willing to make sacrifices today to gain years of good health. In fact, over a third of Italians believe that it is important to start thinking about it before entering the “ages”, while 26% between the ages of 40 and 50.
However, knowing correct behavior does not necessarily mean adopting it. Many people who say they want to age well, in their daily lives struggle to maintain healthy behaviors over time that promote better living conditions even in old age, such as a balanced diet, physical activity, regular sleep and prevention.
