
I’ve lived with anxiety disorders since my mid-20s. For 5 to 15 years, they evolved, spiraling into a panic disorder and eventually expanding into a general anxiety disorder. In those early years, I feared I would live with them forever, but to my surprise, as I’ve grown older, the triggers that once overwhelmed me now matter less.
Finding routine and support has helped take the edge off situations that historically caused my anxiety to spiral out of control. Whether this is due to aging or simply feeling more comfortable in my skin (and issues), I’m not sure. What I do know is that my anxiety is more manageable now than it ever was in my younger years.
Related: The Best and Worst Things to Say to Someone with an Anxiety Disorder
Yet, I’ve also seen others who continue to suffer as they grow older, their anxiety remaining as persistent as ever. This leads me to the question: Does anxiety intensify as we grow older? It’s a question that science has a clear answer to:
Contrary to popular belief, research shows that anxiety disorders often do not worsen with age. They may even lessen over time. However, this doesn’t mean anxiety disorders aren’t present in the older generation. Find out more below.
Important: To ensure facts are accurate, this article has been reviewed by a medical practitioner.
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Anxiety Disorders and Aging: What Science Says
“Anxiety poses significant challenges for older adults, particularly when combined with factors like chronic health conditions, loss of loved ones, and social isolation. The toll anxiety takes on both the mind and body in later life can be profound, contributing not only to a decline in mental well-being but also to physical ailments such as the increased risk of disability and accelerated biological ageing. Addressing anxiety in older adults is critical, as untreated anxiety can increase the risk of premature death and diminish overall quality of life. Seeking early intervention and support is key to managing anxiety at any age.” – Dr. M. Ahmed, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
Despite my good fortune with anxiety disorders becoming more manageable as I’ve grown older, the facts still surprised me. I had always assumed it would worsen with the complexities and challenges that come with age. However, the data tells a different story, anxiety prevalence generally decreases with age, and the incidence of newly emerging anxiety disorders in older adulthood is strikingly low.
Studies show that 19.5% of adults aged 18-29 experience anxiety symptoms, but this number falls to 11.2% among adults aged 65 and older. Among the oldest-old, those aged 82 and above, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms varies, with rates dropping as low as 8.4% for individuals aged 90 and over. This trend suggests that for many, anxiety disorders decrease as you age.
That said, anxiety does remain an issue for some older adults, particularly when coupled with factors like health challenges or social isolation. As one report states, “Anxiety is highly prevalent in individuals aged 82 years and older. Depression, impaired cognitive status, and recent experience of loss is associated with late-life anxiety.” Proving that anxiety isn’t over in your older age, but impacted by new personal situations.
Related: Is Anxiety Disorder a Disability? Breaking Down the Facts and Misconceptions
Breaking Down the Facts
- Anxiety affects 10.2% of adults aged 55-85, with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) being the most common type at 7.3%.
- Anxiety rates are highest in younger adults, with 19.5% of those aged 18-29 experiencing symptoms, but this drops to 10.2% for those 55-85.
- Among the oldest-old, anxiety prevalence continues to decline, with only 8.4% of those aged 90 and above experiencing symptoms.
- Anxiety is most common in adults aged 30-34, and prevalence steadily decreases as people grow older.
- Risk factors like family loss and chronic illness do not appear to increase overall anxiety rates in older adults.
Factors Influencing Anxiety in Older Adults
Sadly, the more I read, the more it does appear that some older adults are more at risk of anxiety because of certain factors. For example, women are more likely to experience anxiety than men, and people with lower education levels are also at higher risk.
Another factor is having an external locus of control, this means believing that outside forces, like luck or other people, control what happens in life. This one concerns me the most, as I often consider my changing fortune with anxiety disorders down to luck. This mindset is proven to make people feel less in control and more anxious.
A report highlights a growing concern, stating, “With a growing number of elderly worldwide, anxiety will become a widespread problem in late life, elevating numbers accessing health care and individual and social costs.” This means that even though anxiety disorders might not become more common as people age, the number of older adults needing help for anxiety is likely to rise.
Related: Understanding the Genetic Link – Is Anxiety Disorder Passed Down in Families?
Health Implications of Anxiety in Late Life
Anxiety doesn’t just affect the mind, it can also take a serious toll on the body. Research shows that anxiety is linked to biological aging. It can speed up aging processes, contribute to neurodegeneration, and even damage the protective ends of DNA (aging markers).
Anxiety in older adults is also connected to an increased risk of disability and often occurs alongside other conditions like depression. The combination of anxiety and depression can make life much harder, limiting independence and lowering quality of life.
Perhaps most alarming, anxiety disorders are associated with a 39% higher risk of premature death compared to those without anxiety. This is a terrifying statistic and underscores the importance of seeking help. If you or someone you know is living with an anxiety disorder, reaching out for professional support should be a priority.