Guide To Assisting Seniors In Managing Stress
Stress: An Overview
Let’s define stress first before we talk about how to deal with it. Stress is defined as your body’s reaction to a circumstance that necessitates action. Simply said, stress is the way you react to difficult or hazardous situations.
Stressors are described as “a chemical or biological substance, environmental state, external stimulation, or an event viewed as producing stress to an organism,” according to Wikipedia. A stressor might be anything that a person perceives as demanding, difficult, or dangerous to his safety.
The hypothalamus, your brain’s “control tower,” signals your body to release stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine), which raise your heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels in reaction to stress. This activates your ‘fight or flight’ response, preparing you to deal with impending danger.
This biological system aids us in dealing with pressures and problems. When we are imprisoned in a burning building, confronted with a phobia (such as dogs or public speaking), or lose our job, we require our stress response. Stress hormones motivate us to act, and they frequently save our lives. These hormones, on the other hand, are only useful for acute, short-term issues.
Chronic Stress and Its Effects
When our systems continue to release cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine on a daily basis, it begins to affect our health. Chronic stress can induce a variety of symptoms, including:
Headaches, insomnia, depression, irritability, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, decreased immunological function, and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes are just a few of the symptoms.
All of the aforementioned pose substantial health hazards, particularly to the elderly. Our bodies grow less robust as we age, making us more susceptible to health problems. We must keep an eye out for indicators of stress in our elderly relatives.
Stress Symptoms in Seniors
You are in a unique position as a caregiver to recognize indicators of stress and practice stress management measures early on. You are familiar with your loved one’s routines and habits and can detect any changes.
alterations in eating habits (eating too much or not enough), Mood swings resulting from weight gain or reduction (increased irritability, anxiety, sadness, indifference, or even unusual elation or over activity), Short-term memory impairments, attention and decision-making issues, sleeping issues, and physical discomfort are all common symptoms (headaches, stomach problems, headaches, or chest pains), Low energy and exhaustion Withdrawal and isolation Less attention to personal cleanliness, grooming, and self-care Withdrawal and isolation are Common Causes of Stress in Seniors.
If you observe indicators of stress in a loved one, the first step is to figure out what’s causing it, or what the “stressor” is. What’s the source of their anxiety?
Here is a list of potential stresses for your elderly loved one:
Changes in lifestyle and financial situation after retirement, Healthcare costs Responsibilities associated with caring for others (kids, or a sick spouse), Death of relatives or close friends, Physical abilities deterioration (loss of hearing, vision, memory, etc.), Worries about not being able to live freely and being a burden to family members, Worries about being institutionalised.
This is not a complete list. It is your responsibility as a caregiver to recognize stressors in your senior loved one’s life and routine. You can recognize events and developments that are possible stresses since you know their regular conditions.
You can a) come up with remedies that minimize or dissolve the difficulty, and b) support general stress-relieving activities once you’ve identified the root of your senior loved one’s tension.
Stress Management Techniques for Seniors
There are two main techniques to stress management:
- dealing with the source of the problem
- a comprehensive approach to stress treatment
After identifying the source of the stress, the following stage is to introduce remedies to the stressors. You may reclaim your loved ones’ sense of control and empower them. For example, if money worries are causing you stress, you can devise a financial strategy, see an accountant or financial counsellor, or investigate various insurance options.
Re-evaluate food and nutrition; speak with a geriatric doctor about health issues; get more and better rest; keep occupied with interesting and diverse hobbies and socializing; organize and clean up their living space are some ideas to explore.
However, there are situations when the source of stress cannot be eliminated. You may lessen your eating loved one’s stress by including stress-relieving activities into their daily routine, in addition to addressing stress at the cause. These exercises aid in the promotion of mental clarity, relaxation, and happiness.
Here are some suggestions to check out and see which ones suit your loved one’s lifestyle and personality best:
Yoga, Exercise (like walking or swimming ), Meditation, Creative hobbies (sewing, writing, painting, gardening, etc.), Getting outside (sunshine, fresh air, and nature do wonders for our peace of mind), Playing with a pet or grandchild, Keeping a gratitude journal, Attending classes or courses.
Conclusion
So, while you attempt to reduce stress, remember to congratulate yourself on each tiny move in the right direction. Consider how far you’ve come on your path to a better, less stressful existence.
If you’re looking for extra resources to assist your loved one, some Home Care services for seniors provide a compassionate, professional staff of in-home caregivers, including personal care aides, certified nurses, and home health aides.