Elderly Stress- What Causes It and What You Can Do

Stress Management for Seniors: Tips and Techniques

As we age, managing stress becomes increasingly important in maintaining overall health and well-being. With life’s many changes and challenges, it’s not uncommon for seniors and the elderly to experience stress. The professional staff at 1Heart Caregiver Services created this article to help adult children and loved ones understand what causes elderly stress and what can be done to alleviate it. We also will offer some of our time-tested and scientifically sound stress management for seniors tips and techniques to try in your home.

Understanding What Causes Stress in the Elderly

Stress in seniors can be triggered by a variety of factors, including health issues, loss of loved ones, financial concerns, or changes in living situations (such as moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home). Regardless of the cause, stress can significantly impact a senior’s health and quality of life.

Adult children need to know the difference between everyday stress—a healthy response to challenging situations—and chronic stress, which persists over time. While everyday stress can motivate us to solve problems or make necessary changes, chronic, unmanaged stress in elderly parents can lead to various health problems.

The Many Effects of Stress on Seniors

Chronic, unmanaged stress is never good for anyone, regardless of age. However, the physical effects of chronic stress may include high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. In seniors, the emotional effects can manifest as depression, anxiety, and choosing to isolate from friends and family. Chronic stress can also affect cognitive functions, leading to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and reduced ability to manage routine independent living tasks. If your elderly parents are starting to show some of these signs, it’s important to talk with their doctor.

Stress Management for Seniors: Activities to Try

There are several effective techniques to relieve the stress your elderly parents are experiencing:

• Deep breathing exercises help slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure, promoting a sense of calm.
• Meditation and mindfulness encourage a focus on the present moment, which helps to alleviate worry about the past or future.
• Yoga and gentle exercise boost physical health and improve mental well-being by releasing endorphins—the body’s natural mood elevators.
• Healthy eating and hydration give the body the nutrients it needs to cope with stress effectively.
• Lastly, adequate sleep is vital, as poor sleep can increase feelings of stress and anxiety.

Stress Management for Seniors: Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes such as these can also help to reduce elderly stress:

• Creating a calm environment can help reduce triggers.
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, both of which can increase feelings of anxiety and agitation.
• Regular physical activity, even mild exercise like walking, can help reduce stress levels over time.
• Socializing and engaging in hobbies and activities with a companion can combat feelings of loneliness—a common source of stress among seniors.

When to Seek Professional Help for Elderly Stress

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, professional help may be needed to effectively manage stress for your senior parent. Therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, and in-home caregivers are all resources available to seniors struggling with stress. These professionals can provide tools and strategies for managing stress that may not be achievable alone. If you’re caring for an elderly parent or loved one, consider hiring a reputable home-care agency for companionship and assistance with independent living tasks.

In addition, the following professional associations offer trusted, research-based resources to help adult children and loved ones understand the causes of elderly stress and what can be done to help senior parents live independently for as long as possible.

• National Institute on Aging (NIA)
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Mental Health America (MHA)

1Heart Caregiver Services Can Help

Managing stress is essential for seniors’ health and well-being. But remember that you are not alone! As a loved one or adult child, speaking with trusted friends or family members about your parent’s needs is important as they age. Please get in touch with us if you’d like to explore the many in-home senior care options that 1Heart Caregiver Services offers. Our trained and experienced caregivers provide companionship, in-home care, custom care such as appointment transportation, and specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

We look forward to talking with you about preserving your parents’ health and happiness.