Everyone has felt stressed at certain points in their life, but too many people think that elderly adults live a stress-free life. Thanks to grown children, retirement and lots of time to enjoy hobbies. It may seem like elderly adults have no sources of stress in their life. However, Elderly adults are often some of the most underdiagnosed people when it comes to stress and stress management issues.
Family caregivers can take advantage of April’s Stress Awareness Month to learn more about how stress may be impacting their elderly relative and what they can do about it.
Sources of Stress in the Elderly
While elderly adults may not have the same sources of stress that their younger family members do, they are also dealing with unique factors due to age. Common sources of stress in seniors include financial worries, moving out of their home, long-term or terminal illness, chronic pain, declining health and abilities, loss of loved ones, facing their own mortality, and diminishing mental abilities.
Family caregivers should take whatever steps they can to eliminate sources of stress. While it’s impossible to resolve every trigger for an elderly loved one, there are things that can be done to take care of some of them.
For example, losing their ability to care for themselves can take a big toll on an elderly person’s mental and emotional state. As senior’s struggle to bathe, dress and fed themselves, they can feel overstressed about the future. One way to minimize stress in increasingly dependent seniors is to hire an elderly care assistant to help. That way, the elderly person can stay in their home, yet receive assistance in areas that cause them stress.
Tips for Managing Senior Stress
There are many tips and techniques that elderly people can implement into their lives to manage their stress levels. Building up a support network of friends, family members, therapists, doctors, clergy, elderly care services and more can help seniors deal with stress in a healthy way. This support group can provide physical help with an elderly person’s daily struggles and provide emotional support for when times are hard.
Many elderly adults that are overstressed will benefit from a good diet, plenty of restful sleep and regular exercise. Finding humor and inspiration in books, movies, plays, music, and nature can also dramatically change a person’s stress levels. Medication may help with depression and anxiety in extreme cases. Other tips that may be effective include meditation, owning a pet, engaging in hobbies or volunteering.
There are lots of reasons for seniors to feel stress, even in their golden years. However, with proper awareness and a commitment to better manage stress, elderly adults, and their family caregivers can work together to create a happier and healthier lifestyle.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Pleasant Hill, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Source:
https://www.health.harvard.edu
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