According to the National Council on Aging, anxiety may affect as many as 20% of older adults. However, many cases remain undiagnosed due to the stigma surrounding senior mental health.
Without a diagnosis, anxiety can affect your mental and physical health. You may experience trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in your ability to function.
Don’t let anxiety in older adults affect your quality of life. Instead, read on to learn more about improving your cognitive health as a senior.
Causes of Senior Mental Health Decline
To improve your senior mental health, first recognize what’s causing your symptoms. Anxiety is a natural response to life stressors. These can include environmental or situational factors like:
- Chronic health conditions
- Stressful events (like losing a loved one)
- Childhood trauma
- Sleep disturbances
- Medication side effects
- Abuse/misuse of alcohol or medications
- Limited physical mobility
- Financial insecurity
- Loss of independence
Speak to a medical professional if anxiety is starting to affect your daily life. They can rule out potential medical issues that may be causing your symptoms. Otherwise, they can refer you to a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health counselor.
Refer to your senior living community for professional resources. Once you identify what’s causing your symptoms, you can determine an effective course of treatment.
Symptoms of Anxiety in Older Adults
Anxiety symptoms can vary from person to person. However, some common mental and behavioral symptoms of anxiety in older adults may include:
- Insomnia
- Refusal to engage in routine activities
- Obsessive thoughts
- Uncontrollable worry or panic
- Ritualistic behaviors
- Trouble with focus or memory
- Restlessness
- Nightmares
Anxiety can cause physical symptoms, including:
- Cold or sweaty hands
- Dry mouth
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches
- Racing heart (palpitations)
- Hot flashes
- Trembling
- Nausea
- Frequent urination
- Tense muscles
If you experience these symptoms, consult a medical professional right away. Otherwise, these symptoms may affect your daily routine and quality of life.
For a doctor to diagnose you with generalized anxiety disorder, you must have:
- Excessive anxiety for at least six months
- Difficulty controlling the worrying
- Three or more symptoms for at least six months
- Anxiety resulting in significant impairment or distress
- Anxiety that’s not attributable to a physical cause
Strategies for Coping
Unmanaged anxiety can have a lasting impact on your functionality, health, and quality of life. It may contribute to cognitive decline. Stress can affect:
- Concentration
- Memory
- Decision-making abilities
It could exacerbate existing physical issues, such as:
- Muscle tension
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Sleep issues
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Immune system issues
Don’t allow your senior mental health to decline. Instead, try these techniques to improve your emotional well-being.
Recognize Your Symptoms
Anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental disorders, according to the World Health Organization. Though it affects 301 million people worldwide, only one in four people with anxiety disorders receive treatment.
The first step to managing anxiety in aging is recognizing that it’s a problem. Remember, anxiety can affect your behavior, mental, and physical health.
Let someone know if you experience excessive worry, headaches, or other symptoms of anxiety. You can start making lifestyle changes to ease your anxiety and regain control.
Talk to someone at your senior living community in Raleigh, NC. Our team at TerraBalla Northridge can help you find professional resources and relaxation techniques to ease your anxiety.
Communicate
Remember, many seniors never receive treatment for their anxiety. Don’t feel embarrassed. Instead, embrace open communication to find the help you need.
Look for a non-judgmental, safe environment through your Raleigh senior living community. You can speak with caregivers, other seniors, and family members if you feel anxious.
Speaking with someone will validate your experience. They’ll help you feel heard and understood.
Consult your senior living community to find support groups. Communicating can strengthen relationships, easing feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anxiety.
Improve Your Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve your senior mental health. Consider your:
- Exercise routine
- Sleep health
- Diet
Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. Exercising can boost feel-good chemicals in the brain. The production of these endorphins may help ease feelings of stress and anxiety.
You can find exercise classes through your senior living community’s wellness program. Participate with friends to hold each other accountable.
Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Sleep gives the body time to rest, heal, and recharge.
An unhealthy environment could keep you from getting adequate sleep. Consider moving into a senior living community in Raleigh. Sleeping in a quiet, comfortable room can help you fall and stay asleep.
Add more anti-inflammatory foods to your diet. You can explore TerraBella Northridge’s dining program for healthy, anxiety-easing food options.
Try to avoid drinking alcohol or coffee in the evening. These stimulants may disrupt sleep while triggering feelings of anxiety.
Relaxation Techniques for Seniors
Explore your senior living community’s events calendar for relaxing classes, such as:
- Meditation
- Chair yoga
- Deep breathing
These relaxation techniques for seniors may help ease feelings of stress and anxiety. The next time you feel anxious, focus on your breath. Identify and release physical tension throughout your body to develop a greater sense of calm.
You can apply these techniques outside of class to better cope with your anxiety. Adding these techniques to your daily routine may improve your overall well-being.
Choose Senior Living
Living alone can trigger feelings of stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Instead of isolating yourself, consider moving into a senior living community like TerraBella Northridge.
Trained caregivers can help you apply anxiety management techniques. Meanwhile, living in a calming environment will reduce your stress levels. You can work with the team at TerraBella Northridge to discover care services that suit your needs.
Improve Your Emotional Well-Being
Ready to improve your senior mental health? Consider using these techniques for easing anxiety in older adults. With these strategies, you may improve your mental and physical health, benefiting your overall quality of life.
Remember, asking for help can make all the difference! TerraBella Northridge is Raleigh’s premier senior living community.
Enjoy our comfortable senior living options, services tailored to your needs, and specialized accommodations. Contact us now to schedule a tour.
