Aging and Death in an Anti-Aging Society

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Aging and Death in an Ant-Aging Society Leslie C. Lee Liberty University Psychology 210 Abstract Aging and death is a natural part of life, yet American culture at large attempts to defy the aging process and the inevitable; which is death. Attempts to halt the unavoidable are due to the stigma attached to aging and the fear of death. Reasons why people have a fear of death have been consistent in studies and research done on the subject. Aging is a reminder of mortality and in some it induces anxiety toward death. People’s view of the aging sector of society has changed over the years. The mass media and the anti-aging industry are partly responsible for society’s views on aging and have had a profound impact on their perception of aging adults. Prejudice towards older adults in the market place gives some validation to reasons why many desire and strive to retain a youthful appearance. The fear of aging and death transcends age and gender; although research concludes that death anxiety is highest amongst the middle aged (30-50) (DePaola, Griffin, Young, Neimeyer, 2003). The number one reason for the fear of death is the unknown. Not only one’s age but also experiences and spirituality influence how individuals view and cope with the knowledge of their own mortality. With the fear of death encompassing so many different factors, (age, spirituality, culture, etc.) it is difficult for any researcher to provide a clear definitive answer to how people can cope with these fears. Aging and death are part of the cycle of life. At the present time it seems that it may be left up to the individual to search out ways to cope with the reality of aging and death until American culture can embrace it as another chapter of their journey in life. Aging and death is a natural part of life, yet American culture at large attempts to defy the aging process and
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