Stressful times in older adults has sometimes multiple causes. You may experience it because of trying to control your overall health condition, losing a loved one, or adapting to challenges in your finances, retirement, or even relocating to a new setting. Stress in older adults is more dangerous than in younger adults. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and numerous other health problems.
The symptoms of stress in adults may show up in many forms, such as agitation, lack of sleep, tension headaches, changes in the heart rhythm, poor concentration, sadness, depression.
Anxiety and stress in older adults may be reduced with some of the following ideas:
– Daily physical activity. Physical activity can increase the feel-good sensation, enhancing the sense of well-being. Exercise can transfer your thoughts on body’s actions, which can improve the overall mood and help the bad thoughts vanish. Walking,
back yard gardening, housecleaning, biking, anything that keeps the body moving is a good physical activity. If your physical shape is not that great and you have aches and pains try simple stretching exercises.
– If your wishes and worries are ignored by your family and friends consider whether you might benefit from a course in assertiveness. Sooner or later they will need to know how you feel.
– After you lost a loved one there is no better way than joining a support group. You will soon realize that you are not alone. Lots of other people have experienced similar feelings.
– Can you take care of a pet? Pet care has its advantages and disadvantages. Several studies support the stress-lowering effects of having a dog or a cat.
– Eating a healthy diet is an important part of taking care of yourself. Aim to eat a variety of vegetables and fruits, and whole grains.
– Stay away from drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, smoking, eating too much, or using illicit substances.
– Meditate. You can instill a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health.
– Surround yourself with people with a great sense of humor. A good sense of humor can’t heal your medical problems, but it can help you feel better. Laughter increases and then cools down your stress response.
– Considering volunteering. Realizing that others have it worse than you, will help you cope with your present situation.
– Listening to or playing music is a good stress reliever. The stress hormones can be annihilated and muscles relax when you are listening to music.
If new events are challenging your ability to manage your present condition or if these self-help solutions just aren’t relieving your anxiety, you may need to think of counseling. Professional counselors or therapists can help you identify sources of your stress and teach you new coping tools.
