You're not alone if you're dealing with an anxiety disorder. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, around 40 million adults are affected by anxiety. Anxiety symptoms can be debilitating for some people, causing them to have difficulties completing daily tasks.
Anxiety in older adults is something that is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Many medical conditions can cause a senior to feel anxious. Understanding the root cause of the anxiety is the first step to finding ways to manage it.
This blog will discuss our top senior anxiety management tips. It's never too late to develop tactics to cope with your anxiety. Improve your mental wellness with our helpful guide.
As we mentioned earlier, anxiety often gets undiagnosed in older adults as the symptoms can be easy to confuse with other medical conditions. According to the National Council on Aging, 10-20% of seniors are dealing with anxiety.
Anxiety symptoms can manifest differently in each person. Common behavioral and mental anxiety disorder signs include:
Anxiety can also show up in physical forms in addition to mental. A few of these symptoms might include:
Feeling anxious or nervous on occasion is a normal part of life. However, it's when these symptoms start to prevent you from living your life or keep you awake at night is when they become a cause for concern.
An anxiety disorder in an older adult can arise for various reasons, such as:
Knowing anxiety relief methods for elders is essential for improving their health.
Many seniors are more likely to mention their physical anxiety symptoms than their mental ones. If you're a caregiver or a loved one of an elderly person, it's key to listen to what they say to help you notice the signs of anxiety. Once you do, you can help them find ways to relieve their side effects.
Breathing techniques for seniors are effective at managing anxiety's psychological symptoms. You get more carbon dioxide sent to your brain when you take deep breaths. This can help soothe the areas of your brain that are connected to anxiety.
A few tips for practicing breathing exercises include:
Mindfulness and deep breathing go hand in hand. Mindfulness refers to being completely focused on the present without worrying about the future or past. Ways you can practice mindfulness include:
You can practice mindfulness while deep breathing by keeping your focus on your breath. If your attention shifts to something else, bring it back to your breathing.
Physical exercise is a great tool for reducing anxiety symptoms. Unfortunately, many seniors don't get enough exercise. Some of the best types of exercise for seniors include:
Yoga is a wonderful choice for physical activity because it combines movement with mindfulness and deep breathing. It can be challenging for some seniors to maintain their balance while holding certain poses. Chair yoga is an ideal alternative so seniors can experience the advantages of the exercise while staying safe.
There are countless yoga benefits for older adults, such as:
Many seniors, especially if they're living alone, deal with feelings of loneliness and social isolation. It can be challenging for them to get into the community if they can't drive or have limited mobility.
Moving into a senior living community can help provide seniors with the socialization and support they need. Not only will residents be around others during meal times and in common spaces, but they can also participate in various activities and classes. This can be a great opportunity for older adults to nurture their favorite hobbies while exploring new ones.
Different types of hobbies and activities seniors can participate in include:
Not getting enough sleep may worsen feelings of anxiety in older adults. On the flip side, anxiety can make it more challenging to fall and stay asleep. A few ways seniors can improve their sleeping habits and environment are:
Getting enough sleep isn't just important for reducing anxiety symptoms in older adults. Sleep is the time when our bodies recharge and take care of themselves. Improving their sleep can help seniors address their mental and physical wellness.
Talk therapy can be an effective tool for managing anxiety symptoms. It can be easier for the elderly to speak with an unbiased third party than they would their friends or family.
A senior's therapist can help determine what their anxiety triggers are. The therapist will work with them to create a plan to manage their symptoms.
It's never too late for seniors to take control of their mental wellness. Symptoms of anxiety in older adults can be managed with various exercises and, when required, medication. Working with a healthcare professional is key to coping with anxiety side effects.
At SummerHouse Beau Ridge, we're committed to improving the mental wellness in the elderly. Our exercise programs, activities calendar, and one-on-one attention ensure our residents are cared for. Contact our office to schedule a tour of our community in Ridgeland, MS.