Managing Stress and Anxiety for Seniors

Posted on: 2013 06 19

Happy Summer! It has finally stopped raining, the sun is out and the temperature is climbing. This week I’m happy to bring you an article by Ryan Rivera. Ryan is a stress reduction and anxiety specialist. He runs a website about anxiety called calmclinic.com. Enjoy the article and please make sure to visit his website at www.calmclinic.com for more useful information about stress and anxiety reduction. Being Aware of Stress in the Elderly: Detect Signs and Manage Stress Some people may think that the most stressful part of life comes during the middle. With work, children, relationships and relatives, it’s easy to think that ages 30-60 are the prime years for stress. What most people don’t realize is that stress can manifest even after retirement. Though there may be less physical activities, there are still many factors that induce stress in the elderly. Here are some common sources of stress for people over 60. • Changes in financial status after retirement • Providing care for grandchildren or an ailing spouse • Death of close friends or relatives • Changes in lifestyle • Anxiety over institutionalization • Anxiety over dependence on others With drastic changes in lifestyle and the possibility of abandonment, many people experience stress later on in life. After years of fending for themselves, the thought of not being able to take care of one’s self can cause stress and anxiety in the elderly. Stress can manifest in many different ways. Below are some symptoms of stress in the elderly. • Insomnia • Nightmares • Muscle pain • Fatigue • Loss of appetite • Frequent urination • Depression • Fear • Anxiety • Forgetfulness • Restlessness • Poor concentration • Chest pain • Shortness of breath • Dry mouth • Weakness in extremities Most of the symptoms listed above are dismissed as signs of old age. Be sensitive enough to know whether your elder friend or relative is experiencing undue amount of stress. Here are some exercises that can help him/her manage stress. Stress management exercises 1. Tai Chi This exercise involves slow, gentle movements that can improve muscle tone and endurance without added impact to the joints. It’s a great exercise for the elderly because it is a natural arthritis workout. Tai Chi helps lower stress levels by controlling breath and relaxing the mind. One great Tai Chi move involves stretching one’s neck muscles and lifting one’s arms slowly to shoulder level. Then, bend your elbows and gently bring your arms closer to your shoulders. Then just as slowly, push your arms away from you. Return to the starting position and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat. This can be done either standing up or sitting down. 2. Walking All stress management programs recommend regular physical activity. Walking can be a good way to manage stress in the elderly. Take a walk outdoors alone or in a group. Try to walk at least 30 minutes a day starting with 3 10-minute increments and increasing to a full 30 minutes over time. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear. 3. Balance A balancing exercise can help alleviate stress due to loss of balance. Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, slowly lift your foot and place it in front of the other. Have the heel of one foot touch the toe of the other. Hold this position for 10 counts then return to your original position. Relax for ten seconds and repeat. Switch legs. Perform this exercise while holding onto a solid surface is advised. Recognizing stress in the elderly is the first step in managing it. Try to alleviate stress by helping the elderly person cope with his or her problems. Suggest doing any of the three exercises mentioned to help with lowering stress levels. Remember, stress can manifest in different ways so be on the lookout. One surefire way to relieve stress is to support that person and be there for them.