Modern life brings plenty of stress for seniors but they can also learn ways to calm themselves and return to normalcy. Stress can come in many different forms, whether it’s personal issues, physical problems, economic, social, pandemic-related or other events and issues.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one out of five people age 55 or older experience some type of mental health concern. The most common mental health conditions include anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, and mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder, according to the CDC.
In the most severe cases, mental health issues can contribute to suicide in seniors, especially among men age 85 or older, the CDC reports.
Why Support is So Important
A game-changer for seniors and their mental health is social support. A network of social support helps in several ways. This includes:
- Emotional support, such as sharing problems or venting emotions
- Informational support, such as advice and guidance
- Instrumental support, such as providing rides or helping with housekeeping
One way to reduce the risk of mental or physical illness that can lead to death includes having a good social and emotional support. For adults age 50 and older, the vast majority—90%—say they have adequate amounts of support.
But adults age 65 or older were more likely than adults age 50-64 to report that they “rarely” or “never” received the social and emotional support they needed. About 10% of older white adults. In the Hispanic population, about 20% of them as well as other non-Hispanic adults age 65 or older said they did not receive the support they need.
Older men told the CDC that they are more likely than women to “rarely” or “never” receive the support they need.
5 Easy Tips for Stressed Seniors
The good news is that seniors can deal with stress. The range of stress relievers ranges from prayer, to making connections, to mindfulness. Here are five easy options to help you lower stress and put your mind at ease.
- Go for a walk and enjoy nature. This is especially timely during spring, after a sweet-smelling rain, or as flowers and trees bloom, and the weather warms.
- Listen to relaxing music or sounds. Instrumental music, or the sound of gentle waves, a mountain stream, or even rain are noted for their calming effects.
- Pray or meditate. Find a quiet place in a comfortable position to help you find peace.
- Be aware of your breathing. Practice deep, controlled breathing to help slow your heart, lower your blood pressure and calm your senses.
- Turn off your television, step away from your computer, and put down your phone. Take some time to enjoy your surroundings and escape the busyness of the world.
A CARING-FIRST ENVIRONMENT
Senior living communities like Auburn Hill Senior Living are precisely that—a community. Residents become friends and even family, and a caring team is there to help them maintain their quality of life.
At Auburn Hill Senior Living, we offer both Assisted Living and Memory Care and we care with Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Residents first and Teamwork. We like to call it Caring with H.E.A.R.T.™!
If you believe a senior living community would benefit your loved one, get in touch with us. Schedule a tour or download a brochure today!