Seniors, like people of all ages, come in various personalities. Some are joyful and embrace life with a carefree attitude, ready to enter the sunset years with optimism. Others cling to the remnants of power they once held, always trying to assert themselves. There are those who constantly complain, dissatisfied with everything around them, and some who are suspicious of others, always on guard. Some seniors are overly critical, only opening their mouths to find fault, while others live in constant fear, withdrawing into themselves. However, most seniors share two common fears: chrematophobia (fear of spending money) and thanatophobia (fear of death).
Let’s focus on the second fear, thanatophobia. A few months ago, an educated, seemingly well- off man visited our office to inquire about a senior commune we were developing. After hearing our detailed presentation, he firmly refused to consider moving in. When I asked why, he explained, "Your commune has everything a senior community needs, but it doesn’t have an ICU." When I explained that a senior commune isn’t a hospital, he dismissed it and said, "All seniors end up in the ICU; you should have thought of this."
I replied, "Sir, all people eventually end up not in an ICU, but in ashes or a grave. I'm not building a crematorium or a burial ground." Offended by my response, he left angrily.
As we age, our awareness of mortality sharpens. Health concerns inevitably arise, but letting these worries turn into overwhelming fear is something seniors must avoid. Maintaining an active lifestyle, monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, staying engaged socially, and managing diet can help keep health issues under control.
Death, however, is different. Religions often portray death and the afterlife in ways that can frighten us. For example, the Bible talks of eternal fire, and the Garuda Purana vividly describes punishments after death. But religion’s purpose is to promote social order, not to instill fear. As we age, we should become wiser and more accepting of death.
Understanding that it is inevitable and embracing it with peace can transform our fear into acceptance. The Mahanarayanopanishad describes life as a yagna (sacrifice) where we offer our anger and base emotions, and death becomes the sacred bath that marks the end of this journey. This is a practical, calm approach to death.
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