Written By Alan Good
How is your stress level? Are you irritable mostly, tired a lot, or feel useless? Are headaches, digestive issues, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, crying or social withdrawal effecting your life? Having difficulty concentrating or are you experiencing short-term memory lapses.
According to the World Health Organization, stress is a mental reaction to challenging circumstances. Does stress affect older adults? Can stress become worse with aging? Can you have relief? Ah, yeah!
You might not have an exam to write or a job interview, but stress can affect seniors. Loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for mental health conditions in later life. One in six older adults experiences abuse, often by their own caregivers. Approximately 14% of adults aged 70 and over live with a mental disorder.
In fact, the American Institute of Stress says stress and inflammation are closely linked. Stress negatively impacts the body’s ability to effectively respond to certain kinds of inflammation that lead to age-related conditions. So, more stress equals more inflammation, and more inflammation when we’re stressed equals more (or worse) health problems.
At older ages, mental health is shaped not only by physical and social environments but also by the cumulative impacts of earlier life experiences and specific stressors related to ageing. Exposure to adversity, significant loss in intrinsic capacity and a decline in functional ability can all result in psychological distress.
Stress in seniors is often triggered by major life changes like retirement, chronic illness, bereavement, or financial constraints. Unmanaged chronic stress can weaken immune systems and increase fall risks. Life presents constant changes and as we become older, those deviations can be more challenging. Downsizing, moving to assisted living, or adjusting to structured routines can present stress for a senior.
It’s crucial to identify these triggers and seek out both medical support and local coping strategies. Some proven relief strategies which lower stress hormones and release mood-boosting endorphins include physical activity such as gentle, low-impact exercise (like walking, chair yoga, or Tai Chi).
Regular conversations with family, friends, or participating in community groups fight loneliness and ground your mind. Mindfulness exercises such as deep-breathing, meditation, and a consistent sleep schedule (7 to 8 hours) help stabilize moods.
For seniors located in or around London, there are several dedicated outlets to help manage stress. Check the City of London Seniors Programs for low-impact fitness and social gatherings. The Seniors’ Community Support Services provide community connections and assistance. If stress manifests as persistent anxiety or depression, resources and counseling are accessible through the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health.
For an on-the-spot mindfulness-based grounding technique designed to pull you out of racing thoughts or panic attacks and bring your attention back to the present moment, try the 3-3-3 rule. Follow these three simple steps: 1) Identify 3 things you can see; 2) identify 3 sounds you can hear; 3) move 3 parts of your body.
This method requires no equipment, can be done anywhere (e.g., at your desk, on a walk, or during a social gathering), and can be repeated as many times as you need.
Getting a handle on what stresses you, and managing those causes, leads to a peaceful, healthy, and happy life.
