Although many may think that our “golden years” are relatively worry free, many seniors experience anxiety and fear. Whether they are worried about their health, are scared of being left alone or have money concerns, these feeling can be overwhelming. This is especially true if they care also coping with an overall sense of “loss” – of health, mobility, spouse or independence.
Stress can bring on additional health concerns and medical issues if not managed correctly. In order to help your loved one navigate these feelings, experts recommend the following tips.
Managing Stress in 5 Easy Steps
Here are five great ways to help the senior in your life to manage their fears and live their best, most productive life.
- Write it Down: Encourage your loved one to keep a pad of paper next to their favorite chair or place to relax. When they think of something they need to buy from the grocery store, they can make a note. If they need to stay on a medication schedule, they can write down the time they last took their pill. Or if they need to make an important appointment, they can remind themselves to do so. By developing the habit of writing things down (and checking their list often) they can relieve the stress and fear that they are “forgetting something”. You may wish to buy them a large print desk calendar to keep track of appointments, birthdays, or expected visitors.
- Read, Listen to Music and Meditate: Reading inspirational stories can lower stress levels significantly, as can listening to classical music or learning to meditate. Clearing the mind of stress-inducing factors and replacing them with pleasant, creative or inspirational thoughts will lower blood pressure and help to establish a sense of well-being. Help your senior by making sure they have large print or audio books, or teach them to play their favorite music station on a mobile device. When possible, join them. Hold their hand, encourage them to close their eyes and relax, and just enjoy the moment. Another great tip? Encourage them to talk about the things in their life for which they are grateful. Gratitude naturally replaces stress in our lives.
- Play with a Pet: If your senior loved one still lives on their own or with you, consider the addition of a pet. Animals, such as small lap dogs and cats, are known to greatly minimize stress in people in general, but do wonders for hose with high blood pressure and anxiety. With so many pets in the shelters who need loving homes, this solution is a win-win. If your loved one is in a memory care or assisted living facility, ask about their programs with therapy animals to help with managing stress with their residents.
- Take a Walk Outdoors: If possible and safe, encourage your senior family member to get outside and enjoy nature. If they can walk, take a stroll through the woods. If they cannot, take them out in their wheelchair to a beautiful spot, such as a lake or botanical garden. Enjoy the sunset together, or explore the grounds of the center. A change of scenery and being in the fresh air is key to managing stress.
- Change the Routine: Find fun ways to change your loved ones routine – whether it be going to a play, sharing lunch at a favorite bistro, or even simply walking through a shopping mall. By giving them an outing to look forward to – and the opportunity to spend time with someone they love – their sense of loss, loneliness and anxiety can be greatly reduced.
At A Banyan Residence, we understand that your senior loved one deserves to live a full and happy life, even if the circumstances have changed. We provide an engaging community and compassionate staff to ensure that our residents feel a sense of safety and belonging. We invite you to tour our Venice adult residence. Call us today.
