Ageing, Anxiety, and the Reality of Death

Ageing is a journey that every human must walk through, whether we like it or not. As one grows older, it becomes natural to reflect on life, its meaning, the impact one has made, and the legacy that will remain after death. The thought of death often comes with anxiety because it is an event that respects no age, no class, and no status. It does not knock before entering, and it does not give a fixed date of arrival.

In society, death is often associated with the elderly. The common belief is that since they have spent many years already, they are closer to their final moment. While this may sound logical, reality proves otherwise. Younger people are also leaving this world every day, sometimes in numbers that make it hard to say it is only an old man’s portion. News headlines are filled with stories of teenagers and young adults whose lives were cut short—through accidents, illnesses, violence, or careless choices. The truth is, every soul will taste death, no matter the age.

The anxiety of ageing often comes from this reminder. An elderly person knows that time is not unlimited. He thinks of the children he has raised, the work he has done, and whether his life has been meaningful. But even the young are not free from such fears. Some begin to question their purpose too early, and rather than seeking patience, they rush into shortcuts that destroy them.

Take, for instance, the growing trend among young people who want luxury without labour. A teenager who dreams of driving a Rolls-Royce may not be wrong in his ambition, but the problem lies in wanting the end result without the process. Instead of learning, working, and building patiently, some seek dangerous alternatives, rituals, scams, or crimes as a way to escape poverty. It is sad to see young men who have never faced real hardship choosing death-ridden paths just for quick wealth.

The situation is not different among some young women. For many, the pressure of society and the attraction of fast money push them into selling their bodies through hookups and other harmful practices. They desire a lifestyle far above their effort, forgetting that everything has a consequence. Death does not only come through sickness or old age; sometimes, it creeps in through reckless living and choices that cut life short.

What makes death frightening is not just its certainty but its unpredictability. The old may prepare for it, but the young, lost in excitement, often forget it could also come for them. This is why it is important to live meaningfully at any age. Life is not about how long but how well. A short life filled with kindness, wisdom, and service is far better than a long life wasted in vanity.

Ageing teaches us to reflect, but even the young must learn the lesson early. We can not control death, but we can control how we live before it comes. To live with purpose, to avoid shortcuts, and to respect the value of time, this is how both young and old can face life without being consumed by the fear of death.