Changes that may occur in the golden years of life can serve as stressors. Even the most positive of changes involving family, friends, living situations, transportation, or health can be challenging to the mind and body and lead to a need for improved self-care. Going through emotions associated with health issues, and dealing with differences between idealized expectations and what can be realistically done, are just two hurdles many seniors may face. Fortunately, there are ways to approach stress and plenty of self-care tips to aid in minimizing and handling stress.
Stress symptoms for seniors may take many forms, including:
- Tension headaches
- Back pain
- Stomach pain and indigestion
- Heart palpitations
- Poor ability to concentrate
- Indecisiveness
- Crying
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Edginess in mood
Many stressors can be helped with solutions depending on the situation, such as modifying one’s home to assist with physical challenges or using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help in replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. There are also general solutions that will typically help an older person in stress, such as:
- Becoming physically active – It can greatly improve physical health and mental health
- Joining a support group to engage with others who may be sharing the same struggles
- Adopting a pet, which can lower stress levels
- Seeking out programs that focus on mind and body, such as chair yoga, Tai Chi, art or gardening
- Practicing deep breathing daily for relaxation
- Eating a healthy diet
Finally, good communication between seniors and their primary care providers is essential to a healthy well-being. It’s important to share all information about yourself and your health that your providers need to provide quality care. And it’s important that they explain what you need to do to stay as healthy as possible, in a way that you understand.
To learn more about Twin Cities Physicians, visit us at mytcp.org or call us at (763) 267-8701
