DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2026.v12i03.012

Pages: 213-224

Old age, a structuring phase and pivotal period in the overall dynamics of human existence, and the final stage of this process, is marked by a series of profound trans-formations of a biological, neurobiological, psychological, and social nature. It is rich with all the ages that have passed, but it is fundamentally regressive, as it integrates all these transformations, which have a real impact on the elderly person, who becomes essentially fragile and vulnerable; they impact their relationship to time, to their body, and to their imminent death. Our paper offers a psychopathological analysis of the experience of time and the awareness of finitude in aging Cameroonians. Drawing on insights from clinical psychology, psychopathology, and health psychology, it explores the clinical challenges related to the shrinking future, death anxiety, and the defense mechanisms mobilized in the face of finitude, which is a progressive loss of self-integrity and the need to re-evaluate one's life. The paper also highlights specific clinical manifestations observed in aging individuals, such as existential depression and late-onset anxiety, often mistakenly confused with neurocognitive disorders. Contextualized clinical vignettes will also illustrate Cameroonian sociocultural realities. Finally, the clinical and public health implications will be discussed, particularly regarding prevention, differential diagnosis, and psychological support for aging.