Stress in elderly
Discover effective ways seniors can manage stress while living independently. A must-read for healthy ageing in your own home
Ageing is inevitable. There are many things that can cause stress in elderly. As time moves forward, both the body and mind has to grapple with new challenges. The strains of these challenges, whether they stem from physical ailments, emotional shifts, or changes in our environment, can lead to heightened stress. For many seniors living alone, this stress is often more pronounced. It can arise from the daily aches and pains our bodies experience, the profound pain of losing loved ones, the daunting task of managing a household, or looming worries about financial security and dwindling independence. To truly support our elderly, we must first understand the roots of their stress, and then seek pathways to alleviate it.
Recognising stress in elderly
But how do we recognise when the elderly are under too much stress? It’s not always apparent. The clues will most likely be subtle but persistent. Physically, they might grapple with recurring headaches or find it challenging to get a good night’s sleep. They might constantly feel drained, or at times, their heartbeat might race for no apparent reason.
Emotionally, the signs can be even more concealed. They might seem unusually irritable, burdened by a perpetual sense of worry, or display an uncharacteristic sense of hopelessness. Sometimes, it’s in their retreat from the world, avoiding social interactions they once enjoyed.
Recognising these signs is not just important—it’s essential. By catching stress early, we can address them head-on, ensuring a better quality of life.
Stress reduction techniques
Home, for many, is a place of comfort and familiarity. For the elderly living on their own, the confines of their residence can be both a solace and a source of stress. Navigating these dual emotions requires creating an atmosphere that promotes calmness and well-being.
Deep breathing exercises, often overlooked, are a potent tool. Simply taking a few moments each day to breathe in deeply, holding it briefly, and then exhaling slowly can act as a reset button for the mind. Over time, this simple practice can significantly lower feelings of tension and anxiety.
Adding mindfulness practices into daily routines can be transformative. Mindfulness is the act of being present, of immersing oneself fully in the moment. This could be during meals, feeling the textures and tasting the flavours of food without distraction. Or during a simple walk around the home, noticing the sensation of each step, the feel of the floor beneath, and the ambient sounds. By practicing this form of focused attention daily, the elderly can cultivate a sense of inner peace and awareness, pushing away the clutter of stressors.
Establishing a regular routine is also instrumental. When the world outside feels uncertain, a predictable routine within the home provides stability. Knowing that there’s a specific time to wake up, have meals, engage in hobbies, and rest can bring about a comforting rhythm to life.
The home environment itself can be tailored to reduce stress. Soft lighting, soothing colours, and the presence of comforting items, such as cherished photographs or mementos, can make a world of difference. Sounds play a role too; playing calm music or nature sounds can transform the ambiance of a room.
Physical and social benefits
As you get older, there’s a common misconception that life slows down, that the vibrancy of youth gives way to passive observation. However, embracing movement and social connections can reshape this perception, offering seniors a renewed zest for life.
Physical activity, even in its gentlest forms, is more than just a regimen for the body; it’s for the soul. Simple acts, like a morning walk or a stretch, reinvigorate the senses. The body finds its rhythm, muscles engage, bones retain their strength, and the heart pumps with a rejuvenated spirit. This movement becomes a dance between the past’s vitality and the present’s wisdom.
Yet, beyond the individual benefits of physical activity lies the joy of shared experiences. Group exercises, dance classes, or shared walks serve dual purposes. While they promote physical well-being, they also act as avenues for social interaction. In these shared moments of movement, laughter, and occasional shortness of breath, a sense of community emerges. Bonds form, stories from yesteryears are shared, and feelings of isolation dissolve into a pool of shared camaraderie.
Intertwining physical activity with social connections provides seniors with a holistic approach to well-being. It’s not just about the number of steps taken or heartbeats counted but about the shared smiles, the mutual encouragement, and the shared feeling of being alive and connected in the common experiences of life.
Seeking professional help
Recognising when to seek help is very important. Maybe it’s a recurring feeling of sadness that lingers longer than usual. Perhaps it is persistent anxiety about the future, or a noticeable decline in cognitive function. These signs, serve as signals that an expert’s perspective might be needed.
Therapists and Counsellors, trained in geriatric care, can provide valuable support. They offer a space for the elderly to voice their concerns, fears, and feelings, often lending clarity to muddled thoughts. They guide individuals in developing coping mechanisms, strategies to deal with loneliness, grief, and many other emotional challenges.
Engaging with professionals doesn’t signify a lack of independence or strength. On the contrary, it’s a testament to self-awareness and a desire for holistic health.