Older Veterans May Experience An Existential Crisis

Forward Assist is now in its second decade of service delivery, yet the work of the charity is largely unknown in the UK. The above notwithstanding, this charity prefers to operate under the radar and celebrates in the fact that its work is better known by our sisters and brothers in arms in both America and Australia. This is especially true of our research into the needs of women veterans, Military Sexual Trauma and how it impacts men, women and those from intersectional communities. Over the past three years we have worked closely with numerous combat veterans over the age of 60 years who have never identified with the term PTSD or come to the attention of the Criminal Justice System, mental health services, the homeless sector or unemployment agencies. A fascinating group of individuals and we have shared much of the wisdom of this group in our 2023 report ‘ Straight From the Forces Mouth’ which you can read on the Forward Assist website.

This weekend I had a fascinating conversation with a friend in America and he talked about ageing veterans in the USA describing an existential crisis when their working careers came to an end. He went on to explain that ageing veterans experiencing an existential crisis is both a profound and complex issue that can arise from a variety of factors, including the trauma of combat, the transition to civilian life, and the challenges of ageing itself. Many veterans carry the psychological scars of their wartime experiences. Witnessing or participating in intense and often traumatic events can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and existential questioning about the meaning of life and the purpose of their actions. For those veterans that may have lost comrades during their service, amplified feelings of loneliness, survivor's guilt, and a profound sense of loss may occupy their thoughts during periods of inactivity and retirement .

As they age, they may also experience the loss of family members, friends, or a deterioration in aspects of their own health, which further exacerbates their existential crisis. For many veterans, their identity and sense of purpose are deeply tied to their military service. Upon retiring from active duty, they may struggle to find a new sense of purpose and meaning in civilian life, leading to feelings of aimlessness and existential questioning. Ageing often brings about physical ailments and cognitive decline, which can intensify existential concerns. Veterans may also grapple with disabilities, chronic pain, or mental health issues such as depression, and anxiety, all of which can contribute to feelings of despair and existential angst. Older veterans may find it challenging to connect with others who can relate to their experiences, leading to feelings of social isolation and alienation. This lack of social support can exacerbate feelings of meaninglessness.

Similarly, older veterans can face barriers in accessing adequate healthcare, mental health services, and community support networks. Limited resources and stigma and discrimination surrounding age and mental health issues can prevent veterans from seeking help and exacerbate their existential crisis. Some veterans may turn to spirituality, philosophy, or existential therapy as a means of grappling with existential questions and finding meaning in their experiences. Exploring existential themes such as freedom, responsibility, and mortality can provide veterans with a framework for understanding their inner struggles and navigating their existential crisis.

Addressing the existential crisis faced by ageing veterans requires a holistic approach that addresses their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. This includes providing access to comprehensive healthcare and mental health services, fostering supportive communities and peer networks, and promoting opportunities for veterans to find purpose and meaning in civilian life. It's crucial to recognise the unique challenges faced by ageing veterans and to offer them the support and resources they need to navigate their existential journey with dignity and resilience.

Tony Wright CEO Forward Assist