While growing old is a natural part of life, it's not always an easy process. Someone who has always looked young, whose identity is tied to their perceived attractiveness, or whose occupation relies on mobility and independence can develop a fear in this area. Whether they're triggered by their changing looks, a potential mental decline, a physical weakening of the body, or death itself, someone with this fear may become driven to do everything in their power to keep the inevitable at bay.

Incessantly working out
Eating healthy
Following a strict and involved skin care regimen
Investing in multiple cosmetic surgeries
Wearing a lot of makeup to cover signs of age
Staying out of the sun
Seeing doctors often for preventative and corrective measures
Avoiding doctors altogether (being in denial about growing old)
The character hanging out with people younger than them
Adopting youthful practices, speech, and activities
Needing constant reassurance about their appearance
Being obsessed about staying physically and mentally active
Avoiding reminders of old age, such as nursing homes or a retirement party
The character constantly testing their mental or physical acuity to see if it has deteriorated
The character avoiding having their picture taken
Taking many supplements that support memory and improved neurological functions
Trying fringe skin care regimes that promise youthful results
Following skin care and fitness influencers on social media
Spending large amounts on products and gadgets that promise they can wind back the clock
The character comparing themselves to others their age
Becoming angry if others treat the character their true age (offering more assistance, speaking more formally, etc.)
Remaining stubbornly autonomous; turning down help or refusing to admit that an activity is beyond the character's ability
The character refusing to change their ways—e.g., continuing to drive even when it's dangerous for them to do so
Heightened awareness of mental and physical changes over time causing the character to hide or compensate for them

The character obsessing over changes in their appearance or mental capabilities
Worrying that others also notice the changes
Seeing deficiencies where there are none
Constantly wanting to look in mirrors but being afraid of what will show up there
The character comparing themselves to others and finding themselves lacking
Becoming deeply insecure about their appearance
Knowing that aging is a normal (and unavoidable) process but feeling compelled to fight it anyway
Being in denial about changes that are happening

CHILDISH, COMPULSIVE, DEFENSIVE, FRIVOLOUS, INFLEXIBLE, INSECURE, IRRATIONAL, MORBID, NAGGING, NEEDY, NERVOUS, OBSESSIVE, OVERSENSITIVE, PERFECTIONIST, PUSHY, REBELLIOUS, RECKLESS, STUBBORN, VAIN, WORRYWART

The character spending too much money to maintain their appearance, purchase supplements, etc.
Frequent surgeries and recoveries stealing the character's free time
The character spending so much time on the activities that will keep them young that they pass up other opportunities
Difficulty relating to people their own age
Being exhausted by the effort to always prove themselves and their capabilities to others

A PHYSICAL DISFIGUREMENT, BEING SO BEAUTIFUL IT'S ALL PEOPLE SEE, WATCHING SOMEONE DIE

A friend or associate passing away
Seeing a drastic change in an older friend's appearance
The character experiencing a physical change associated with aging, such as gray hair, age spots, or a drop in metabolism or libido
Hitting a milestone birthday (40, 50, 60, etc.)
The character having memory problems that aren't caused by their age (a side effect of medication, not getting enough sleep, etc.)
The character having trouble doing something they've always excelled at
The character being rejected or discriminated against and believing it's due to their age
Realizing they are not able to command attention the way they used to
Realizing they are attracting the interest of older partners that they have been used to drawing
Experiencing the onset of menopause or other conditions that come with age

Self-Actualization: Growing old is an inevitable part of the human experience. A character who is unwilling to accept it will be unfulfilled because they are denying who they truly are.
Esteem and Recognition: A character who fears growing old likely will think less of themselves because of changes to their appearance or an increased need to rely on others.
Love and Belonging: This kind of insecurity can cause strife with loved ones if the character is always needing reassurance or they project their obsession to remain youthful onto others.
Safety and Security: A character who is in denial about growing old may put themselves in danger by continuing to engage in activities that are no longer safe for them.

AVOIDING CERTAIN DEATH, BEATING A DIAGNOSIS OR CONDITION, CARING FOR AN AGING PARENT, GAINING CONTROL OVER ONE'S OWN LIFE

A FAMILY MEMBER DYING, A HEALTH ISSUE CROPPING UP, AN ELDERLY PARENT REQUIRING CARE, BEING CAST OUT OF A GROUP, BEING INJURED, BEING REJECTED BY A POTENTIAL LOVE INTEREST, CAUSING A CAR ACCIDENT, CAUSING A WORKPLACE HAZARD, EXPERIENCING DISCRIMINATION, EXPERIENCING MEMORY LOSS, GETTING LOST, HAVING TO RELY ON OTHERS, HAVING TO STAY BEHIND, MAKING A CRUCIAL MISTAKE AT WORK, MISSING AN IMPORTANT MEETING OR DEADLINE, NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY, PHYSICAL EXHAUSTION, PULLING THE PLUG ON SOMEONE