Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I have a friend age 71 that has a general fear of everything. Although he was a world class tennis pro he will not take any chances on anything: For example here is an example of his behavior: 1. He will not go to an airshow for fear that the exhaust from the jets will give him cancer. 2. He will not play tennis even on a cold cloudy day without applying sun block as he fears skin cancer. 3. He will not ask anyone for a referal for his tennis lessons as he does not want to bother anyone. 4. He will not eat out with friends even if they pay for him at a nice restaurant. 5. Although he rents a room in a house when the owner is away he cleans the entire house. 6. When you stand next to him in a conversation if you get within three feet of him he backs away. The closer you move to him the more he backs up. 7. He believes that all guns should be banned because touching one might result in death. I could go on and on - I am amazed that this person can function at all let alone he was a world class tennis player with wins over name players. How do you rectify that?
[|AI|]  HiI had gone through your query. It is not phobia. At age of 71 years there might be changes occur in neuronal level. Behavior change can give rough idea only. His mini mental status examination and mental status give better idea. Possible diagnosis in this age and symptoms suggestive of dementia or late lite depression. But we can only sit it after proper history and examination. So please consult psychiatrist or neurologist and get help. I appreciate that he was a world-class player, and you have concern for him. So do please consult. Still have a query then feel free to ask. Thank you. Take care.