25 Oct Stress management in seniors – How to keep your cool as you age
If you’re an adult in your 60s, 70s, or 80s, you have more than the usual stressors in life to deal with. Perhaps you’re in (or near) retirement and worried about how you’ll make ends meet financially. Maybe you’re caring for elderly parents or other family members and juggling that responsibility with other household responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, and childcare. Whatever your age, stress management in seniors can be an invaluable tool to help you remain functional and happy into your golden years and beyond.
As we get older, many of us have to deal with increasing stress in our lives. We may have lost loved ones, struggled with financial problems, or felt we had too much to do and not enough time to do it all in. In some cases, this can result in anxiety or depression as we find ourselves unable to cope with the day-to-day stressors we face. Fortunately, there are many things seniors can do to keep their cool and maintain good mental health as they age. Here are a few ways seniors can manage stress effectively.
Get Creative
It’s okay if you’re a little stressed out, but it’s not okay if it starts taking over your life. The first step to stress relief is figuring out what the cause of the stress is. Once you know what’s causing the stress, brainstorm ways to eliminate or decrease it and be sure to take care of yourself by eating nutritious food and getting enough sleep.
Take Time Out For Yourself
The most important thing a person can do is take time out for themselves, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Doing this will allow them to regroup and fully return with fresh eyes. Taking care of oneself is vital to managing stress and keeping mental faculties sharp, so don’t put it off.
Don’t ignore symptoms
It’s important not to ignore symptoms of stress management in seniors as it may be signs of an underlying health condition. For example, if you feel pain or numbness in one arm and it’s been going on for more than a few days, it may be a sign of something serious like heart disease. However, plenty of other things can cause those same symptoms. If there is no pain or the numbness has been going on for less than five minutes, it might just be muscle cramps from sitting too long.
Volunteering Can Help
If you’re looking for ways to reduce stress, one of the best is volunteering. Whether at a nearby animal shelter or an organization that works internationally, chances are there’s something for everyone. And the best part about it? Your efforts can help make a difference in someone else’s life. You’ll also be able to connect with people who share similar interests and passions.
As well, volunteering may even improve your physical health. Studies have shown that volunteers tend to live longer than those who don’t.
Laugh, Sing, and Dance!
If we could all do this every day, it would be one way of keeping our stress levels down. As they say, laughter is the best medicine. Even just a little bit of laughing or singing can benefit our mood. So go ahead, put on your favorite song, and dance around the room for a few minutes. You’ll feel much better afterward. I’ve found that when I’m feeling frustrated or angry if I force myself to smile, my feelings quickly change into something more pleasant. And sometimes, just getting up and walking around can help relieve some of the tension built up inside us.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet
One of the most important things seniors can do for themselves is eat a healthy and balanced diet. This will help ensure that they receive all the nutrients they need and prevent them from becoming too dependent on others for their food needs. Seniors need to have a regular meal schedule so that they know when it’s time for them to eat, what foods they should be eating, and how much food is appropriate. At The Residences at Zon Beachside one of our 3 pillars is Dining as it is such a critical part of a Senior’s health.
Conclusion
Reading, taking a walk, and gardening are all ways that people can relieve stress. Having someone you can talk to about your feelings is also important. One of the most important things is not to let life pass by without noticing it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed; there are many resources out there for stress management in seniors.