Stroll along the banks of Bayou St. John in New Orleans, and you’ll discover the serene location of SummerHouse Vista Shores, the perfect spot for a stress-free retirement.
A calming senior community has never been so crucial since anxiety is more common in aging adults than you might expect, with estimates of around 20% of seniors experiencing symptoms. Couple that with stress, and you have a recipe for a sleep-deprived, worrisome retirement.
However, there are ways to tackle the risk of mental health issues. In this guide, we’ll explain more about the difference between stress vs. anxiety, how to recognize the symptoms, and simple steps to manage it.
Managing Stress in Aging: Everyday Triggers
If you have ever felt nervous before an exam or when public speaking, you might feel those emotions physically. That’s stress. It is our body’s natural response mechanism when faced with perceived threats.
Stress can arise from anywhere in modern life, but there are some common triggers, which include:
- Changes to health, like a recent diagnosis
- Financial worries
- Loss and grief
- Adapting to a new home or environment
When you are stressed, even small daily tasks like booking an appointment can feel overwhelming. If stress isn’t properly addressed, it can worsen and start to take a toll on your physical and mental health. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the signs and address them right away.
Senior Mental Health: Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is a medical term, and it’s a mental health condition, so it goes beyond everyday worries or stresses. Anxiety feels like a persistent and sometimes overwhelming fear or unease. It doesn’t always have an obvious source.
Seniors may develop anxiety from a range of concerns, like their health, transition to assisted living, or from loss.
Anxiety lingers, and when it becomes more profound, it can interfere with your life, causing restlessness, insomnia, and even physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat. Understanding anxiety as a mental health issue is crucial to getting the right support and treatment.
Understanding the Difference Between Stress Vs. Anxiety
Sometimes, stress and anxiety can feel similar. However, they are unique conditions and are treated separately.
Stress is most often triggered by an external situation that puts pressure on a person. For seniors, this might be an upcoming medical appointment or moving house. Most importantly, stress tends to go away once the trigger has passed.
Anxiety is a little different. It’s an internal sensation and can be more persistent. You may feel anxious without any immediate threat in your life.
Anxiousness can often appear as more generic worries like uncertainty about your future or concerns for your safety or health.
Stress and Anxiety: Physical and Emotional Warning Signs
It’s common to experience stress or anxiety without being conscious that you have the condition. However, our bodies are good at giving us some warning signs. Here are the physical symptoms that could point to a mental health issue:
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- Unusual fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns or insomnia
- Faster heartbeat
- Upset stomach
You may also have emotional warning signs. These include:
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Feelings of sadness or overwhelm
- Withdrawing from social activities
- Struggling to concentrate or memory problems
More persistent or profound levels of stress and anxiety are likely to have a more significant impact on your body and emotional state. That’s why getting a diagnosis and making lifestyle changes is crucial to improve your well-being.
Stress and Anxiety Relief Techniques: Creating a Calming Routine
Creating a calming routine is the first step to managing stress and anxiety. Routines can help you feel more grounded and ensure you have plenty of wellness-focused activities throughout the day. Here are some top relaxation strategies for older adults:
- Create a consistent sleep routine and wake at the same time each day
- Build in quiet moments in your day for reflection
- Set times for meals to help build structure in your day
- Make sure each day has contact with friends or family
- Don’t create an over-busy schedule
These tips are easy to implement, and once you get into a new routine, they can positively affect your well-being. The most important thing to remember is to create rest in your busy day so that your brain and body have time to recharge.
Managing Emotional Wellness in a Senior Living Community
At SummerHouse Vista Shores, we’ve created a relaxing and calm environment perfect for combating some of the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
We have added thoughtful additions to make life easier and less demanding, like our housekeeping services and homestyle dining. Our team has also created the Dimensions Wellness and Health program to help you with every aspect of your well-being, from physical fitness to spiritual support.
Daily events on-site give you the chance to connect with others and enjoy our friendly, family-like atmosphere.
All these are fantastic additions to your daily routine and will help you stay relaxed, focused, and free from stressors.
Managing Stress and Anxiety: Beyond the SummerHouse Community at Vista Shores
SummerHouse Assisted Living is the ideal destination for relaxation and well-being. Yet, there are also many activities and opportunities beyond the grounds that can help you manage stress and anxiety. You could:
- Take in the calming views of Bayou St. John
- Enjoy live jazz performances
- Visit nearby farmers’ markets
- Savour Creole and Cajun dishes at the best New Orleans restaurants
There is plenty to do for all tastes, whether attending a local festival or catching up with a friend at a nearby cafe. New Orleans has a unique and unforgettable culture and is the perfect city when you need to lift your spirits.
Joining a Community That Prioritizes Wellness
Retirement shouldn’t be all about the practical elements of getting older. It’s also about your well-being. Recognizing the signs of stress vs. anxiety is an important first step. Equally crucial is ensuring you are in an environment where you can manage those symptoms.
That starts here at SummerHouse Vista Shores assisted living.
We have designed stress-free living, combining personalized care, vibrant activities, a friendly community, and stunning views. Built on the historic Vista Shores Country Club, our senior living community is the perfect New Orleans retirement destination. Book a tour with us today to discover it for yourself.
