What is longevity fixation syndrome?

Longevity fixation syndrome is an unofficial diagnosis describing an anxiety-driven, compulsive obsession with living as long as possible, involving excessive control over health and lifestyle.

How does longevity fixation syndrome relate to orthorexia?

Longevity fixation syndrome is closely aligned with orthorexia, sharing a fixation on "clean" eating and exercise, but it involves a broader range of variables to control and thus greater anxiety.

What are the underlying causes of longevity fixation syndrome?

Underlying causes often include a deep-seated fear of death, potentially triggered by childhood trauma or existential anxieties, which have been exacerbated by events like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Home / Health / Longevity Obsession: The High Cost of Living Forever

Longevity Obsession: The High Cost of Living Forever

8 Feb

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Summary

Longevity fixation syndrome is an anxiety-driven obsession with extended life.
It parallels orthorexia, focusing on excessive control over health variables.
Mental health professionals see a growing number of clients with this issue.

Longevity Obsession: The High Cost of Living Forever

Anxiety-driven obsessions with extending life have led to the unofficial diagnosis of longevity fixation syndrome. This condition involves a compulsive focus on maximizing lifespan, often mirroring orthorexia's emphasis on "clean" eating and exercise.

Individuals like Jason Wood from Grand Rapids, Michigan, spent thousands on wellness treatments and strict routines, driven by a deep-seated fear of death. This behavior stems from a desire to control the uncontrollable, a pattern noted by mental health experts.

Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, observes a notable rise in patients presenting these habits. While some clinics offer expensive treatments, therapists across the US, Europe, and the UK confirm the growing problem, noting that childhood trauma and existential fears, amplified by the Covid-19 pandemic, contribute significantly.