Stress and Seniors: Knowing the Signs and Solutions

The realities of senior living often do not match up with the carefree images on glossy retirement community sales brochures and magazine advertisements. Life is not always a straight shot down the fairway or a day at the beach. For many seniors today, the “golden years” can be incredibly stressful times.

What causes seniors so much stress? Change is a major trigger, and seniors experience plenty of change … declining health, death of friends and loved ones, moving, the loss of retirement savings due to the downturn in the market. The list goes on.

Here are some other common stressors for seniors:

• The cost of living: For those who live on fixed incomes, and even for those who do not, the ever increasing cost of living is a constant source of stress. Many seniors wonder how they are going to make ends meet as the cost of everything continues to rise, from heating oil, to property taxes, to the cost of prescription medication and other everyday necessities.

• Caring for a loved one: While the death of a loved one brings on a great deal of stress, the responsibilities associated with having to care for a loved one who is no longer able to care for him or herself can be just as stressful, if not more.

• Moving: Whether it is to a smaller home or in with the family of a son or daughter or to an assisted living facility or nursing home, moving from the place that has been home for decades is particularly stressful, especially when the move coincides with a loss of independence.

• Caring for grandchildren: Many seniors find themselves once again playing the role of parents, this time to their children’s children. Young children are in constant need of attention and are very active, which can be a great burden for the elderly who are ready to slow down. And that is in addition to the increased financial demands that come with parenting.

Seniors can control stress and counteract its harmful effects in a variety of healthful ways:

• Daily exercise: Any type of aerobic activity that gets your heart beating a bit faster can be a great stress reliever. This includes walking, swimming, biking, shopping, and dancing. Yard and house work are other great healthful options for reducing stress. And do not worry: No performance records need to be set!

• Pets: Studies show that older people who have pets are less stressed. Perhaps it is because pets make great companions and help their owners focus attention toward their care.

• Prayer: For those who believe, prayer empowers and lifts burdens. Worshiping with others and sharing concerns also ease feelings of stress.

• Eating well: Eating a nutritionally-balanced diet gives the body fuel it needs to get through each day.

• Talking it out:  Seniors should not allow stress to build up inside of them. Talking troubles over with friends and family may not get a solution, at least not immediately, but it will give them a release.

• Volunteering: Giving your time and talents to a worthy cause and those in need can help you feel good about yourself and can give your life focus. Working with others less fortunate than you can help put your life—and what is really important—into perspective.

• Thinking positively: As often as possible, focus on the positive and talk with positive people. Try to find happiness in whatever you do.

At Comfort Keepers we seek to be a resource to you because we are Comfort Keepers caregivers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 866-333-4737.