Does Anxiety Increase With Age? What You Need to Know

Anxiety doesn't automatically get worse as you age. But it doesn't necessarily get better either. Research shows that anxiety disorders don't necessarily worsen with age. Yet many older adults find themselves battling anxiety for the first time in their 60s or 70s. What's going on?

The answer isn't simple, and that's actually good news. Understanding what drives anxiety as we age puts you in the driver's seat.

The Numbers Tell a Story

Anxiety typically begins between ages 11 and 19, then often peaks again during middle adulthood—ROUGHLY ages 40 to 59. That middle-age spike? It comes from juggling careers, raising kids, and handling money stress.

But here's what matters: adults over 60 are actually the least affected by anxiety. So no, you're not doomed to become more anxious just because you're getting older.

Why Some People Experience More Anxiety Later

Anxiety in older adults usually isn't about aging itself. It's about what aging can bring.

Health problems are a major trigger. Chronic pain, heart disease, diabetes, and breathing problems all increase anxiety risk. When your body doesn't work like it used to, worry naturally follows.

Losing loved ones hits hard. Grief and anxiety often show up together. Each loss can chip away at your sense of safety in the world.

Retirement changes everything. Some people use work to distract themselves from anxious thoughts. When that structure disappears, you're suddenly face-to-face with thoughts you've been avoiding for decades. Without purpose or routine, anxiety fills the empty space.

Changes in independence create fear. Worries about driving, living alone, or needing help with daily tasks can trigger constant anxious thoughts. Loss of control feeds anxiety like nothing else.

Memory concerns amplify worry. Forgetting names or misplacing keys becomes terrifying when you fear dementia. That worry itself can make concentration harder, creating a cycle that feels impossible to break.

Social isolation might be the biggest factor. Loneliness is a major risk for anxiety and depression. You feel anxious, so you withdraw. You withdraw, so you feel more alone. You feel more alone, so anxiety gets worse. The cycle continues.

The Brain Connection

Here's something that should make you angry—in a productive way. Chronic anxiety can actually accelerate cognitive decline in older adults. Studies show it's linked to brain changes including lower hippocampal volume and faster memory decline.

Anxiety isn't just uncomfortable. Left untreated, it can damage your brain health over time through stress hormone changes and inflammation.

This isn't about scaring you. It's about getting real. The good news? With proper support and medical care, older adults can effectively manage their anxiety and protect their cognitive health.

“Recognize the signs. Excessive worry, sleep problems, irritability, muscle tension, avoiding activities you used to enjoy—these aren't just "getting old." They're treatable symptoms.”

What Actually Helps

First, ditch the shame. Anxiety at any age doesn't mean you're weak or broken. It means you're human dealing with difficult circumstances.

Second, recognize the signs. Excessive worry, sleep problems, irritability, muscle tension, avoiding activities you used to enjoy—these aren't just "getting old." They're treatable symptoms.

Third, build your support system. Having strong social connections reduces anxious thoughts. Reach out. Stay connected. Join groups. Volunteer. This isn't optional—it's essential for your brain health.

Fourth, get moving. Exercise directly impacts your brain's ability to regulate anxious thoughts. Even walking counts.

Fifth—and this is crucial—work with a therapist who specializes in anxiety therapy. Therapy helps you explore anxious thoughts and learn to dismiss them without ruminating. Cognitive behavioral therapy works exceptionally well for older adults with anxiety.

Finally, talk to your doctor. Sometimes anxiety stems from medication side effects, thyroid problems, or other medical issues. Rule out physical causes.

The Bottom Line

Does anxiety get worse with age? It can. But it absolutely doesn't have to.

Your age doesn't determine your anxiety level. Your circumstances, your support system, your coping skills, and your willingness to get help—these are what matter.

Plenty of people overcome anxiety earlier in life and enjoy peaceful later years. Others develop it later but learn to manage it effectively. The path forward exists. You just have to be willing to walk it.

Take Action Now

Stop waiting for anxiety to magically improve. It won't.

If you're experiencing overwhelming worry, sleep problems, or anxiety that interferes with your daily life, reach out to a licensed therapist today. If you're over 65 and notice increasing anxiety, talk to your doctor. Many older adults don't report their symptoms because of stigma—don't let that be you.

Reach out and schedule an appointment. Not next month. Not when things get "really bad." Now.

You have the power to change your relationship with anxiety. But only if you're willing to take the first step.