‘A Haunting Silent Companion’: Exploring Fear of Ageing and Gerascophobia Among Older Adults in Senior Living Facilities

Abstract

Ageing is inevitable, and so is the fear that accompanies it—present in different forms and intensities, yet often misunderstood or dismissed. The study explores the lived experiences of older adults in senior living facilities settings, examining how they perceive, experience and cope with the fear of ageing and gerascophobia and assessing the implications of these fears on their well-being. Using Moustakas’ transcendental phenomenology and the modified Stevick–Colaizzi–Keen method, the study offers a detailed examination of the lived experiences of 21 older adults. Four themes emerged: identity transformation, levels of fear, triggers of fear of ageing and adaptive versus maladaptive coping strategies. The results revealed that the fear of ageing in senior living facilities is a multifaceted phenomenon that does not fade away in old age—it remains constant and, in severe cases, coexists with gerascophobia, which has a diverse and lasting impact on the human mind. These fears were found to be often present but not always openly expressed. This in-depth analysis from an understudied population contributes to the existing literature by suggesting that the psychological impact of fears of ageing, especially gerascophobia, profoundly influences the social behaviour, mental health and decision-making processes of older adults in senior living facilities. Recognizing the fear of ageing is not enough—healthcare professionals, caregivers and policymakers must implement concrete interventions and redesign environments that empower older adults, preserve their autonomy, and reduce the psychological toll of ageing.