Fine wine, cast-iron skillets, and a favorite leather jacket all tend to improve with age. But for many people, managing stress does not get better or easier over time. The good news? You can take steps to work through your worries in a healthy way. As we recognize National Stress Awareness Month, let’s learn about its impacts on seniors and how they can continue managing it.
What are some sources of stress in older adults?
As we age, our mental load looks different. The days of fretting about the details of the family vacation or sending kids to college may be behind us, but we might lie awake wondering about preparations for aging in place or coping with a serious illness or injury. Even as stressors change, navigating them is important for maintaining a healthy life.
What are the effects of stress?
Stress can cause elevated cortisol levels in seniors, which can impact heart health, the immune system, cognitive function, and memory structures in the brain. Chronic stress in older adults can increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes, depression, and dementia, among other conditions. It can also affect mental health, with social isolation and loneliness contributing to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
What are some solutions for managing stress in seniors?
While it’s impossible to eliminate stress from our lives, there are ways to lessen its impact, stay healthy, and keep a positive attitude. Just remember the four “M”s:
- Move: Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever for older adults. Residents at Unbridled Living communities can stay active with walking clubs, Tai Chi, salsa dancing, and other exercise classes. Moving your body increases endorphins – the body’s “feel-good” transmitters – and lowers cortisol and adrenaline that signal the body’s response to stress. Even planting flowers or pulling weeds in the garden can significantly reduce anxiety and boost mood. Physical activity helps improve sleep quality, lowers tension, and improves mental clarity that can keep overwhelming thoughts at bay.
- Mind: Meditation, whether guided or done independently, is excellent for practicing mindfulness. Often paired with deep breathing exercises, meditation can quiet the mind and nervous system. Another option is journaling, which can relieve stress and sharpen your mind. Reflecting and organizing your thoughts into words can often inspire a fresh perspective about the sources of your stress.
- Meet: Building a sense of community as an older adult can be a powerful way to manage stress. Having people around you who listen, understand, and offer support brings comfort and peace of mind. One of the easiest ways to foster those connections is by participating in activities centered around shared interests. At Unbridled Living communities, meaningful friendships are formed every day through book clubs, faith-based discussions, bridge groups, live music, movie nights, and more.
- Master: Be a lifelong student! Whether you’re aging in place or joining an Unbridled Living community, consider taking an art class, attending an educational seminar, or learning a new game. Staying curious and keeping your mind engaged with new information and skills can build focus and emotional resilience, as well as improve your ability to cope with difficult situations.
Well-rounded support to help seniors manage stress
Just as our worries change as we age, older adults may have to experiment with how they cope with challenges. Unbridled Living communities offer activities that support the holistic well-being of seniors, including helping them manage stress and its impacts. From fitness classes and excursions to clubs, events, and mindfulness resources, we believe that building community and offering a robust selection of tools are essential for helping older adults thrive – regardless of the challenges that may come their way.