I doubt that few of us have escaped FOMO: that unsettled, undefinable anticipation that perceives self as on the outside, uninvited, and funless. Whether in truth or imagined, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is real.
But what about FOGO? It, too, is an unsettled, undefinable anticipation that perceives self as sliding all too quickly into an era of being on the outside, unwanted, and ya, funless. Why? Because you will be too preoccupied with social (in)security, doctor’s appointments, aches, and pains. FOGO stands for Fear of Growing Old.
Geriatrocity takes gascrophobia to the next level. People experience varying levels of fear of growing old (gascrophobia), but geriatrocity is the horror and shame of getting old.
Really? Horror and shame over the inevitable? What happened to the perspective of growing better and wiser with age? Sadly, whether it’s in conversations in our own head, or what is communicated through social media, the majority of inferences to growing old are negative.
What do people fear? Physical disability. Poor health. Insufficient funds. Loneliness. Loss of independence. Wrinkles. Lack of purpose and integration in society. These are just a few of the concerns we face with increased risk through the passage of our lives. These are definitely concerns to be grappled with. Shame, on the other hand, implies deep embarrassment or humiliation. This is an emotion no one should feel for the effects of growing old on this earth.
Even King David of Old Testament Scripture experienced FOGO. He prayed, “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.” Psalm 71:9. “And why did he thus pray? He saw that most of the aged around him were unhappy, because of the unfortunate traits of their character being increased with their age. If they had been naturally close and covetous, they were most disagreeably so in mature years. If they had been jealous, fretful, and impatient, they were especially so when aged.”1
What a reason to fear growing old! He was afraid that his own character would express unfortunate traits, rather than righteous ones.
“David marked that although the lives of some while in the strength of manhood had been righteous, as old age came upon them they seemed to lose their self-control. Satan stepped in and guided their minds, making them restless and dissatisfied.”2 Would dissatisfaction gain the ascendancy with age or could contentment increase?
“David felt the necessity of guarding against the evils which attend old age. It is frequently the case that aged persons are unwilling to acknowledge that their mental strength is failing, and therefore shorten their days by taking care which belongs to their children. Satan often plays upon their imagination, and leads them to hoard their means with miserly care, and thus create a continual anxiety about their earthly goods. Some will even deprive themselves of many of the comforts of life, and labor beyond their strength, rather than use the means which they have. Thus they are in continual vexation, through fear that some time in the future they shall want. If such would take the position God would have them, their last days might be their best, their happiest…. They should lay aside anxiety and burdens, and occupy their time as happily as they can, in ripening up for heaven.”3
Growing old is not the time to grow weak. And as we will see in upcoming articles, there are strategies to combat the wear and tear of time on our physiology. Perhaps though, there are some things we need to be on guard against and watchful to prevent. Yes maybe, we should even fear, lest self takes over our lives at any age.
They say growing old isn’t for sissies, and I believe them. Strength to carry the armor, flexibility to navigate new situations, resolve and endurance to hold fast and carry on to the very end is what heroes are made of. Ah, but that is exactly what a senior citizen is.
“Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” Psalm 71:17–18.
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1148.
- Ellen G. White, Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p. 749.
- Ellen G. White, The Signs of the Times, February 19, 1880, p. 77.
