A profound exploration of the intersection between Sartrean Existentialism, the psychology of aging, and the specific phenomenon of status anxiety.

Introduction

In terms of hodological space, viewed from a Sartrean perspective, some older adults, wrapped in the warmth of counterfeit emotions, fear being authentic. Why? Because something inside them says, “If I’m authentic, then I won’t be loved anymore,” so they remain in that space—physically and psychologically. But authenticity would force a radical confrontation with the self, allowing them to reconcile with reality: “We stayed together because of the children.” “Our love is running on nostalgia’s dying breath.” So they find themselves in a “lifeboat situation,” refusing to leave, secretly wishing they had a pied-à-terre, while desperately clinging to a relationship that has expired. This essay was originally published on Substack. Continue Reading »»