Gen Z is becoming increasingly more fearful of aging, to the extent that I’ve seen teenagers and people in their twenties mourning the eventual loss of their youth.
There are plenty of societal reasons to fear growing up, such as economic problems and new responsibilities. But that is not what I mean. I mean a visceral fear of aging and losing worth.
I have recently turned 26 years old. It gets exhausting hearing people younger than me complain about being old. I’ve had 18-year-olds on campus bug their eyes out at the fact that I’m their peer at my age – which is crazy because I’m not old. I’m sure this is even more annoying for people older than me on campus.
Most social media is shifting towards video format. More people are showing their faces, but they’re obscured with filters, makeup, and special lighting. Anonymity is gone, but space has been filled with smoke and mirrors.
Skin care routines are booming, and teenagers as young as 14 are sharing anti-aging routines on TikTok. Trends like the TikTok aging filter caused an uptick in searches for skincare products. Cosmetics brands are increasingly targeting younger demographics and feasting on their anxieties.
This goes beyond outward appearance though. There is a lack of older people who talk positively or neutrally about aging. People hide their age and try not to act old, as aging is whispered about as though it’s shameful.
The notion that your teenage years and twenties are the best years of your life is a myth. Most people I know younger than 25 are battling with the confusion of understanding themselves and the world around them.
Feeling unstable and aimless is normal.
We especially romanticize the idea of a young, accomplished person. But if you look at the life stories of those who were successful at a young age, they are often traumatized and end up on uniquely difficult paths.
Accomplished children are an exception. The vast majority of people become accomplished well after their 30s, examples including Terry Crews, Stan Lee, Toni Morrison, Laverne Cox, and numerous academics, inventors, and artists.
At 26, I feel more confident and secure in myself than I did just three years ago. This is also normal – people report having higher self-esteem, emotional stability, clearer priorities, and a broader perspective as they age.
Gaining some weight in your 20s is also normal. Your face and shape may change. It’s normal to get dark circles, wrinkles, and creases. Sometimes it happens earlier than you expect it, but we just don’t talk about it.
These changes are okay! They will happen to all of us, regardless of whether we fret about it or have rigorous health routines.
I want to impress upon you that it is not too late for you, whether you’re only 18, 26, 30, 40, 50 or older. You will be at much greater peace if you don’t think about age and just live your life.
Right now, today, what do you want to work towards? Who do you want to be? I promise you are not too old; you did not miss your chance. There is always time to become more yourself or choose a new path.
I saw a post online that said that we should begin celebrating our 10,000th day on Earth. It falls somewhere in your 27th year. We could celebrate 15,000 at 41, and 20,000 at 54 too. Imagine if we celebrated aging rather than mourning it. After all, we have each come a long way.
The fear of aging comes from a deep pit of insecurity and I’ve found that as I get older that pit becomes more shallow. Every year I feel more secure in who I am in every way.
Great opinion piece!