Why Do People Fear Growing Up? The fear of growing up is a lot more common than we might think and is completely normal. In fact, as it is so closely related to a fear of the unknown, it's practically in our basic instincts to be afraid of what might come from the future and of our lives once we've grown up.
Introduction. Gerascophobia is a fear of growing or aging [1]. Fear is an unpleasant emotion that occurs in response to a source of danger, whether real or imaginary, and has cognitive, behavioral, and physiological components [2].
Symbolic separation from parents and other individuals who have offered some sense of security. This occurs as we mature, form a new and different identity, choose our own path in life and establish new relationships. These types of separation experiences can arouse a sense of loss related and fear.
The Peter Pan syndrome is exactly that. It is when an individual does everything in their power to avoid growing up — an inevitable thing that happens to everyone. The Peter Pan syndrome is one that causes individuals to avoid real responsibility, and instead, continue to behave as a child would into adulthood.
Summary. Peter Pan Syndrome is a popular psychology term to describe people who find it difficult to grow up. They often have challenges managing adult responsibilities and maintaining adult relationships. Having difficulty with adult responsibilities can affect many people.
Gerontophobia has been linked to Thanatophobia as fear of old age can be a precursor to fear of death. Gerontophobia can be caused by harmful stereotypes of elderly people displayed in the media.
According to the United States Social Security Administration, anyone age 65 or older is elderly.
We get better at this as we age. A 2000 meta-analysis found that fear of death grows in the first half of life, but by the time we hit the 61-to-87 age group, it recedes to a stable, manageable level.
Symbolic separation from parents and other individuals who have offered some sense of security. This occurs as we mature, form a new and different identity, choose our own path in life, and establish new relationships. These types of separation experiences can arouse a sense of loss and fear.
However, deep down, inside of all of us, there is a slight fear of aging. Not necessarily about dying, but about the journey to getting older. If you're being honest with yourself, getting older does change things. However, if you're truly afraid of aging, keep these points in mind.
A bizarre, tragic exception is gerascophobia, or the fear of growing up — a very rare condition.
People with ephebiphobia fear teenagers. They may view adolescents negatively, mistakenly thinking all teens have bad or violent behavior. A traumatic accident involving teenagers may cause ephebiphobia. A person with ephebiphobia may avoid all situations that involve seeing or interacting with teens.
Australia's older generation (those aged 65 and over) continues to grow in number and as a share of the population. The ageing of the population creates both pressures and opportunities for Australia's health and welfare sectors.
On average, you will reach your sexual peak in your 20s, your physical peak in your 30s, your mental peak in your 40s and 50s and at will be at your happiest and relaxed in your 60s. Really though, the most important message is life is a series of ups and downs, peaks and troughs.
Over time, studies have shown that metabolic rate (how fast we burn calories) starts to slow down by 2 to 3 percent each decade, beginning in our 20s. It becomes more noticeable between ages 40 and 60.
Your cells are programmed to divide, multiply, and perform basic biological functions. But the more cells divide, the older they get. In turn, cells eventually lose their ability to function properly. Cellular damage also increases as cells get older.
Science also has shown that anger causes the body to age much faster through the constant wear-and-tear of stress hormones on the organ systems. Angry people frown more, and so their faces tend to look older from anger-induced wrinkles, furrows, and frown lines.
Age regression may be the result of a medical or psychiatric issue. For example, some individuals experiencing significant distress or pain may revert to childlike behavior as a means to cope with anxiety or fear. Certain mental health issues make age regression more likely.
If our various child parts are not fully integrated into our adult self, we're likely at times to feel like a child inside an adult's body. We won't be able to feel truly grown up because our basic sense of self hasn't sufficiently evolved into the actual adult we've become.
There's a Wendy syndrome, too
Much like in the story, females in this role often enable the Peter Pan in their lives, often without realizing it. They might do this by making decisions for them, tidying up their messes, and offering one-sided emotional support.
Changes in Boys
They tend to grow most quickly between ages 12 and 15. The growth spurt of boys is, on average, about 2 years later than that of girls. By age 16, most boys have stopped growing, but their muscles will continue to develop.
As mentioned in one of the articles one good way to see if you still have growth potential is to X-ray a wrist- the test is called a Pediatric Bone Age. It will show if your growth plates are still open. A doctor can also request lab tests- checking for hormones- such as thyroid, growth hormone and sex hormones.