Have you encountered any six-lettered word that has more impact than its meaning? Literally, the word ‘stress’ brings out the emotion of feeling challenged, desperate and feelings of frustration and anxiety. Though, the word has become a part of or daily parlance, used too casually, stress has definitely become intertwined with our journey of life. Age is no bar to it. Elders also feel and face stress in different ways.
This brings us to the question, what causes stress among seniors? What are the events or factors of daily life of elders, which seems slow and peaceful, that can cause seniors to worry?
1. Aging
The fact of aging itself can be different and uncertain. One day you are 9 and in the blink of an eye you are 60 and start developing white hairs. How would you feel? Besides the uncertainty that the future holds, is not easy to face as it was in the early 20s or 30s. Thus, the realization that “I’m growing old” can have its effect on seniors’ mindset.
Another common notion held by some elders, if not all, is that they have become dependent on their loved ones and it is a burden to be so. This thought put together with the increasing disability to be independent plagues all seniors.
2. The absence of family/spouse
Note that the word ‘absence’ here can mean separation of all sorts – not a consequence of choice. Lack of familiar kith and kin, the warmth of hearth called home- all of these are necessary to feel secure and cared for. If the ‘absence’ mentioned is due to loss of life, the insurmountable grief adds on to it.
One may ask how the absence can be a cause of stress. It is to be understood that stress is not just enduring and overcoming difficulties but also loss in life. This kind of stress can be expressed in different ways – denial of simple daily pleasures or even basic activities, moodiness, depression, etc.
3. Health condition
Seniors who maintain an active lifestyle are certainly better off in facing stress. They might even not feel it much. But elders who are unable to freely move around or are subject to deteriorating health conditions can find it difficult to bear stress. The already fragile state elders are in during sickness is multiplied further by stress of not being able to obtain relief on their own.
These may be the common causes of stress. Given the individual circumstances of seniors, stress can be caused by other factors as well.
Now, stress has come into the lives of seniors. The right question to ask is, “What Next?” Overcoming stress and anxiety single-handedly, is not easy. But as the popular saying goes, ‘Trial costs Nothing’. These suggestions can be undertaken by seniors as basic measures of defending themselves from this beast of a six-lettered word.
1. Write
Yes, write. It may seem silly, even annoying to be asked to write every unpleasant feeling and emotion felt. But not without good reason. Noting down these emotions will bring about an awareness. Of our feelings and thoughts and why these recur.
This awareness can help us resolve the causes creating conflicting emotions and anxiety. I will help seniors think of alternative thoughts, more positive and encouraging ones.
2. Speak
Opening up to those we believe in is one of the best ways to let the steam out. It might be difficult to talk about the challenges seniors face. The family or friends can be asked to prompt elders to talk about what they are feeling.
A note to the loved ones of elders, it is important to spend quality time with them. Identify early on, the symptoms of depression or anxiety and gently encourage them to talk about it.
3. Pursue activity
An idle mind leaves scope for way more stress to be felt than one that is occupied. Seniors can follow activities of passion or interests – hobbies that do not take that much of a toll on their health. This also includes wellness activities like yoga, fitness routines and meditation that not only help better control stress but also overall wellbeing.
4. Deep Breaths
Inhaling and exhaling slowly has shown to be effective in dissipating immediate stress. This can help calm the mind and promote clear thinking to arrive at a solution.
It is similar to the ‘water for anger’ method and it is a quick measure that can be tried to secure the mental state of elders immediately.
5. Geriatric counselling
Geriatric counselling is a separate branch of psychology dealing with the mental wellness of seniors. If all else fails, the best way to approach is talking to a certified psychologist. Do not regard this as if something is wrong with the seniors. Counselling can help bring out the negative emotions and acknowledge the current state of mind.
Most of the suggestions can be implemented by seniors wherever they are. Whether at home or while residing at a senior living space. It is essential for seniors to open up about their wants. Similarly, the people around seniors, the caregivers, family and well-wishers have to be responsive and proactive to the needs and wellbeing of seniors.
Stress less! Say yes to mindfulness!
