The Impact of Stress on Seniors and Ways to Successfully Manage It
Author: Debbie Humphrey
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines stress as a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation.
People of all ages experience stress, but since the pandemic, stress levels have risen to new heights, especially among seniors.
Inflation and economic uncertainty are two primary factors leading to greater stress, because many seniors are on a fixed income. Unfortunately, the impact of stress on seniors includes physical, mental, and emotional repercussions, but there are ways seniors can successfully manage it.
Florida Health says, “Studies have found many health problems related to stress. Stress seems to worsen or increase the risk of conditions like obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, depression, gastrointestinal problems, and asthma.”
In addition, when higher levels of stress hormones are released, seniors are at greater risk of developing heart disease.
“Chronic stress is hard on the heart because the fight-or-flight response remains activated. The heart speeds up, blood vessels are constricted, and clotting factors in the blood are activated as preparation for a possible injury. This response burdens the heart muscle and reduces the supply of blood to the coronary arteries,” explains Florida Health.
Some of the common signs of stress include:
- Not eating or eating too much
- Feeling like you have no control or needing to have too much control
- Forgetfulness
- Headaches
- Lack of energy
- Lack of focus
- Trouble getting things done
- Poor self-esteem
- Short temper
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea
- Back pain
- General aches and pains
“These symptoms may also be signs of depression or anxiety, which can be caused by long-term stress,” says Florida Health.
Long-term stress can be responsible for a variety of health problems, including:
- Mental health disorders (depression, anxiety)
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Irregular heartbeats
- Acne and other skin problems
Fortunately, Florida Health has shared ways to successfully manage stress and prevent physical and mental health conditions.
Cop a New Attitude
- Be a problem solver. Identify the things that cause you stress, then determine which problems you can solve now and what is currently beyond your control. Look at each problem and contemplate possible solutions. Solving small problems first will enable you to tackle bigger problems with greater confidence. Having more confidence will help you feel less stressed.
- Be flexible. Rather than argue with others, give in or compromise.
- Get organized. Create a to-do list and figure out what’s most important so you can take care of those first.
- Set boundaries. Be kind to yourself and determine what you can handle. You will want to set boundaries for yourself and others, and don’t be afraid to decline requests for your time and energy.
Relax
- Take deep breaths. When feeling stressed, take a few deep breaths to slow your breathing and help your muscles relax.
- Stretch. Stretching helps relax muscles and reduce tension.
- Massage tense muscles. Having someone massage the neck and upper back muscles can reduce tension.
- Do something you want to do. Finding time to do things we want to do can be daunting, even if you’re retired, but it’s important to reduce stress and practice self-care. Listen to music, read a good book, or go to a movie to escape stress for a while.
Take Care of Your Body
- Get enough sleep. Sleep helps you recover from daily stress. Being well-rested helps you think more clearly and be able to handle problems that arise more calmly. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep a night to feel rested.
- Eat right. Fuel your body with fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Caffeine and high-sugar snacks may give you a lift, but the energy will wear off, making you feel more tired.
- Get moving. Physical activity can help you relax and improve your mood. Research shows that physical activity can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Don’t deal with stress in unhealthy ways. This includes drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, smoking, or overeating.
Connect With Others
- Share your stress. Sharing your problems with family members or friends can help you feel better. They may be able to help you see your problem in a new way or suggest solutions you haven’t considered.
- Get professional help. If stress has you unable to cope, talk to your doctor. They may suggest counseling to help you learn better ways to deal with stress or prescribe medications such as antidepressants or sleep aids.
- Help others. Volunteering in your community can help you make new friends and feel better about yourself.
Despite these suggestions, stress may seem insurmountable for seniors who live alone in West Pasco and Pinellas County communities. In these instances, Home Helpers can provide in-home care services to make life easier and less stressful during Stress Awareness Month and beyond.
I gladly offer a FREE Consultation to assess specific needs, create a personalized care plan, and select the perfect caregiver to help.
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