Yearning to Be Our Younger Self: The Relationship Between Grief and Yearning to Internalized Ageism and Ableism

Abstract

Internalized ageist and ableist beliefs significantly influence health outcomes, happiness, and longevity. Idealization of youth and pervasive ageist and ableist narratives devalue aging, contributing to perceptions of later life and potentially fostering grief over lost opportunities. To develop evidence-based interventions, it is essential to examine the potential relationship between grief, yearning, and fears about aging. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using ResearchMatch, and 384 individuals responded to questions regarding ageism, ableism, and experiences with grief. Yearning was significantly associated with internalized ageism, excessive fear of aging, and loss of physical health. Grief was significantly associated with age, internalized ageism, and excessive fear of aging. Interventions to address feelings of loss as we age, both experienced and anticipated, can be developed to address and improve personal attitudes toward growing older.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 2026 · DOI ↗