People age 65 and older had a 57% spike in mental health diagnoses between 2019 and 2023, according to AARP. Anxiety was the most common diagnosis. Seniors in Ridgeland are no exception.
Anxiety and stress are part of life, but they shouldn’t interfere with your daily routine. Seeking help for stress can be intimidating. Many people don’t want to tell anyone they have a problem.
Stress Awareness Month, established in 1992, is the perfect time to evaluate how stress is impacting your life. The nonprofit Health Resource Network launched a campaign to help people learn about the negative effects of stress and find ways to manage it.
Learn relaxation tips for older adults and why stress management is so important.
What Is Stress?
Stress is a natural human reaction when facing pressure or challenges. Stress responses can be positive, like helping you to step quickly out of the way of a bicyclist’s path. Stress can damage your health if it lasts for a long time without giving your body a chance to relax. The three types of stress are:
- Acute stress, which comes and goes quickly
- Episodic acute stress, which is acute stress that occurs on a regular basis
- Chronic stress, which lasts for weeks or months
Chronic stress can be the most damaging to your health.
Signs of Stress
People experience stress in different ways. It can cause physical, psychological, and behavioral problems. Recognizing the symptoms can help you know when to reach out for help.
Physical symptoms include:
- Aches and pains
- Chest pain
- Headaches or dizziness
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Stomach or digestive problems
- High blood pressure
- Rash
You may notice psychological symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Sadness
People with chronic stress often try to handle it by resorting to unhealthy behaviors like:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Drugs or misusing medication
- Overeating or developing an eating disorder
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, reach out for support.
Stress Reduction Techniques for Seniors
Older adults have many options to try to reduce stress. The most effective stress reduction techniques depend on the source of the stress and your personality.
Reduce the Sources of Stress
The most obvious way to eliminate stress is to remove its source. This is often easier said than done, though.
Whenever possible, identify the causes of your stress and take action to change them. Recognizing the control you can have over your own life is empowering. It can help you reduce stress more proactively in the future.
Eat and Drink Well
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and staying hydrated have benefits beyond your physical health. The American Psychiatric Association reports several studies showing that eating more fruits and vegetables reduces symptoms of depression. It works in part by reducing inflammation and changing how neurotransmitters function in the brain.
Drinking plenty of water or other healthy fluids throughout the day promotes good senior mental health. The National Council on Aging reports that fluid loss of as little as 2% has a negative effect on mood, memory, and concentration. You can boost your emotions, reduce feelings of anxiety, and improve cognition by adding a few glasses of water to your daily routine.
A quality senior living community can help you meet your nutrition goals. You benefit from healthy dining options without the stress and hassle of preparing it yourself.
Stay Active
Regular physical activity can reduce stress and improve your mood. You don’t need to run a marathon to experience the benefits of exercise. You can try low-impact activities like:
- Walking
- Biking
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Dancing
The key is finding an activity you like and will continue to do. Most senior living communities have onsite fitness centers, with classes designed for older adults. You can try a variety of activities while meeting your neighbors.
Get Enough Sleep
Older adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep every night, according to the National Institutes of Health. Getting enough quality sleep can become more challenging with age, though. This can compound the effects of stress: stress can lead to poor sleep, which leads to greater feelings of anxiety and a negative mood.
Try to establish a regular bedtime routine. Avoid caffeine, large meals, and alcohol within a few hours of going to sleep. Try not to watch TV or use a tablet or cell phone in the bedroom.
If you have persistent problems sleeping, talk with your healthcare provider. They can recommend treatment to help you get the sleep you need.
Practice Meditation and Mindfulness
The calendars of many senior living communities include meditation and mindfulness for seniors as well as religious services. Mindfulness-based meditation has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, according to the American Psychological Association.
Mindfulness helps you focus on the present moment. You observe your feelings and sensations so you can let them go. Mindfulness changes stress pathways in the brain so you become less likely to react to stressors with negative thoughts.
Spiritual practices can also help you handle stress more easily. Feeling a connection to a higher power can provide reassurance and a sense of purpose.
Reduce Clutter
Organizing your living space can reduce stress and improve your mood. You can ask a friend or loved one to help with this process. Having a fresh perspective can make decluttering easier.
Set up an organizational system that you can successfully continue. For example, instead of dropping the mail in a pile on the counter, sort it right away.
Get Inspired this Stress Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month is the perfect time to evaluate what is causing you stress and how you can reduce it. Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep can promote emotional wellness in aging.
You’ll find support for your stress-management goals at SummerHouse Beau Ridge in Ridgeland. Our community features healthy gourmet meals, fitness classes, and onsite religious services. You can build friendships with your neighbors through shared experiences and activities.
Schedule a tour of SummerHouse Beau Ridge today to see how our community can promote your emotional wellness in aging.
