Anxiety in Older Adults: How Seniors in Huntington Can Find Relief
According to the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, anxiety is a common illness among older adults. As much as 10 to 20% of the older population struggles with anxiety, though it often goes undiagnosed.
When left untreated, anxiety in older adults can lead to poor health and cognitive impairment. It may affect your quality of life. Living in a senior living community in Huntington, Indiana like Tipton Place Assisted Living, located on the beautiful banks of the Wabash and Little Rivers, may help.
With stress management for seniors, you can enjoy your retirement feeling happy and healthy. Unsure of where to start? Read on to start coping with anxiety!
Anxiety in Older Adults
Anxiety in older adults triggers feelings of:
- Dread
- Apprehension
- Fear
- Worry
These feelings are often disproportionate to the situations triggering them. Anxiety is often paired with depression. Both can affect your quality of life and overall health.
According to the National Council on Aging, Generalized Anxiety Disorder is believed to be the most common anxiety disorder among older adults. These seniors may find themselves constantly worrying or fearing the worst in every situation. They're often on edge yet can't control their emotions.
Factors that can contribute to anxiety include:
- Neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's)
- Alcohol, drugs, and caffeine
- Extreme stress or trauma
- Some medical or mental illnesses
- A family history of anxiety disorders
- Chronic grief
- Financial insecurity
- End-of-life planning
- Social isolation
- Loss of independence
Aging causes stress and changes, including memory problems and poor health. These, along with fears about aging, can cause anxiety.
Signs of Anxiety
Potential signs of anxiety in seniors include:
- Excessive fear or worry
- Muscle tension
- Depression
- Hoarding
- Being overly concerned about safety
- Avoiding social situations
- Refusing to do routine activities
- Racing heart
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Digestive problems
- Forgetfulness
- Irritability
- Headaches and confusion
- Trembling
- Shallow breath
If you experience these symptoms, don't ignore them. Instead, consult a doctor. Their assessment can help you make informed changes that will benefit your senior mental health.
Otherwise, these symptoms may begin affecting your day-to-day life. Anxiety is considered problematic when it affects your health and ability to function.
Stress Management for Seniors
Stress and anxiety can trigger the body's fight-or-flight response. This leads to an increase in adrenaline and cortisol, which can become harmful if you experience chronic stress.
Chronic stress may increase your risk of:
- Weakened immune system
- Depression
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Rapid breathing
- Heart attacks
- High blood pressure
- Pounding heart
- High blood sugar
- Insomnia
- Stomach aches
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Stroke
These symptoms can affect your health, mood, and ability to function. If you experience these symptoms, explore stress management for seniors. Here are a few techniques that may help ease stress and anxiety in older adults.
Eat Healthy
Eating certain foods can benefit your brain function while potentially easing anxiety symptoms. Consider eating more:
- Salmon
- Turmeric
- Dark chocolate
- Yogurt
- Blueberries
- Eggs
- Almonds
- Chamomile
- Green tea
Salmon and other fatty fish are rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Omegas may help regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, which can have calming properties. They may also reduce inflammation and prevent brain cell dysfunction.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which may help promote brain health and prevent anxiety disorders. It also offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants may help prevent damage to brain cells due to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Unfortunately, planning and cooking meals can become stressful. Consider moving into a senior living community.
You can rely on their dining plan for access to healthy, nutritious meals. Consult an expert to develop a personalized meal plan. They'll consider your dietary needs and food preferences to ensure you eat healthy yet delicious meals.
Exercise Daily
Regular exercise may help:
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce blood pressure
- Reduce anxiety
- Lower risk of stroke and heart disease,
- Seniors live independently longer
- Reduce the risk of weight gain
- Lower risk of certain cancers
- Improve bone health
- Lower risk of dementia
Exercising can boost the production of serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter. This may help improve your mood and overall well-being.
Explore your senior living community's wellness program for fitness classes. You can participate among friends to make working out fun! Consider:
- Weight training
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Water aerobics
- Hiking
Make Time for Fun
For emotional wellness in aging, make time to enjoy life. Explore different hobbies, such as:
- Hiking
- Gardening
- Bird watching
- Crafting
- Scrapbooking
- Reading
- Baking
- Watching movies
- Painting or drawing
- Crocheting or knitting
Explore your Huntington, IN senior living community's events and activities calendar for more options. Try to engage in these activities alongside friends. Remaining social will combat feelings of loneliness.
Otherwise, social isolation may increase your risk of:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's disease
- Obesity
- A weakened immune system
Mindfulness for Older Adults
Mindfulness for older adults can include:
- Breathing exercises
- Mindful walking
- Body scans
- Guided meditations
- Deep breathing exercises
The next time you feel anxious, take a deep breath. Imagine the air traveling into your nose, through your body, and filling your lungs. This visualization can help you relax and focus on the present.
These activities can promote feelings of relaxation while easing stress and anxiety. Ask your Huntington, IN senior living community if they offer classes.
For improved emotional wellness in aging, consider journaling daily. Write down your feelings and reflect on things you're grateful for. This practice can reduce stress, improve your mood, and increase memory retention.
Improve Your Environment
Living alone may cause you unnecessary stress and anxiety. Instead, consider moving into a senior living community. You can rely on a full, seasoned staff for the help you need.
Their comfortable living accommodations can help you rest and relax. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Getting enough rest can boost your mood and help you navigate stressful situations.
Senior Mental Health Support
Don't neglect your senior mental health. Instead of ignoring anxiety in older adults, make a change for the better. Apply these tips to start coping with anxiety today!
Remember, moving into a senior living community could make a difference. Explore Tipton Place Assisted Living, where we create individual care plans designed to meet the needs of every resident.
Enjoy our comfortable living options, engaging daily activities, and coordination of care. Contact us now to schedule your tour.