Stress and anxiety can happen in any age group, but seniors are more prone to development due to their diminishing social circles. As life changes, the challenges you face can bring on added stress. Retirement, health concerns, and losing loved ones and friends can become taxing. Managing stress and anxiety becomes an integral part of senior life. It is essential to recognize the triggers of stress and anxiety and how to manage them.
Common Causes of Stress and Anxiety Among Seniors
Many factors can contribute to seniors’ increased stress and anxiety, including the following:
- Chronic conditions, loss of mobility, and the aging process can all cause seniors to feel stressed, depressed, and anxious. Some people reduce their anxiety levels by seeking independent living.
- Seniors also face financial concerns that can lead to increased stress. Leaving the workforce can lead to reduced income. Unexpected expenses can lead to substantial worry.
- Grief can become a significant source of sadness and anxiety among seniors. The passing of loved ones and friends can make seniors feel more anxious about their own mortality.
- Life transitions, such as selling a home or moving into a retirement community, can be exciting but stressful. Adapting to a new way of life can feel overwhelming for many seniors.
- Social isolation plays a significant role in stress and anxiety development among seniors. A lack of social interactions can increase feelings of anxiety and stress.
How Does Stress and Anxiety Impact Seniors?
Unmanaged stress can wreak havoc on a senior’s immune system. An underperforming immune system can put seniors at risk of developing colds and other viruses that can endanger their health. Other potential negative impacts include:
- Increased risks of chronic illnesses develop with higher stress levels, including diabetes and heart disease.
- Seniors can suffer more profound cognitive decline with higher stress levels, leading to anxiety.
- Seniors may also suffer sleep disorders with increased stress.
Ways Seniors Can Combat Stress and Anxiety
Although stress and anxiety are often unavoidable, there are ways to combat it. Managing stress and anxiety can help protect your health and make you more adaptable to change.
Stay Active
Physical activity is one of the most important things seniors can do to protect themselves from increasing stress and anxiety. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga can help seniors stay physically active without stressing their bodies.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Activities like meditation, going to church, and deep breathing can help seniors remain calm. However, they can also benefit from professional intervention to combat stress.
Cultivate Your Social Connections
Socialization is crucial for seniors. Social isolation can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. A lack of socialization can make seniors feel like they are purposeless.
Now Is the Time to Combat Stress
Seniors should not wait until they begin to develop adverse physical and mental health issues because of growing stress and anxiety. Now is the time to take action. If needed, professional intervention may become necessary. With help from your doctor or a trusted therapist, seniors can learn proven techniques that help them learn to recognize stress triggers and combat them by meeting them head-on. Do not wait until you feel overwhelmed. Get family and friends involved from the very beginning to see stress and anxiety begin to dissipate. With help from a support network, you can reduce your anxiety and seek better help.
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