Feel sad about being old one day

[Pooshy]

I'm 38 and have two small children

Recently I keep lying awake at night worrying about how I'll be old before I know it, and won't be around for my kids. Maybe I'll get cancer etc etc

It's not something I used to worry about - could this be because I'm approaching 40 and I'm having some sort of midlife crisis?! Or is this something people feel once they've had all their kids?

I've had a few friends have cancer recently which must have added to it but I'm generally feeling quite worried about getting older. Is this normal at 38?!

And I also think our kids are doomed with all the environmental problems we are causing

Normal. You'll probably sit with it and then your thoughts will focus on something else. Something more in need of attention in your world. There ain't nothing we can do about what you're worried about. Just love your loved ones more and think about what you're grateful for. Focus on an 'Attitude of Gratitude' and it'll help.

Yes very normal to start thinking bout his as tounaporoach 40. I’m 53 and I spent a lot of my 49s thinking this way. However now I’m more “make the most of everyday” way of thinking, which is more positive.

I've had that thought of not wanting to be old, as I approach 50.
Maybe it's that reality kick, that we're not going to be here forever.
It made me cross just a few days ago that I can't live forever, and then really sad.

I dont want to be old either, but it's better than the alternative. Find something to do, to give you a reason to get up in the morning.

I think it's having children, more than your age as such, that makes you think like this.
It truly is part of the human condition....
You might like to make sure your papers/ plans/ will/ life insurance etc are all in place, then forget all about it. then you can go and live your life and love your children.

I'm 49 now, and being old doesn't worry me in the least. Lots of positive, active older people around.
It's the thought of dying that freaks me!

That's normal, I don't think it's a mid life crisis. I think it's just because you have children and you worry about their future, like all parents do.

I used to worry all night, every night, about whether my kids would survive, whether I'd survive to see them grow up, you name it.
Now I'm in my 60's and I worry that I won't see my grandchildren grow up. It's all part of being a mum.