3 minute read
Seniors and Stress
Guest Blog By Stacey Himler, Owner, Caring Transitions, Millsboro, DE
Stress seems to be an everyday thing. It doesn’t matter how old you are.
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As we mature the causes of stress may change but certainly, they do not diminish. It could be different things like helping your children move into adulthood with adult responsibilities or moving up in your job because of your accumulated experiences, or facing change such as downsizing, moving, or helping with grandchildren. Or, unfortunately it may be losing a loved one or experiencing health issues of your own or a loved one, or worry over financial security.
Research shows that people aged 50 to 65 are 17% more likely to experience stress than their counterparts in the 1990’s. What’s worse, the effects of stress are magnified as you age. A Harvard Health article about stress in the elderly details how your body can no longer fight off stress as efficiently as in your prime years because of the diminished state of your cells, heart, and lungs. As a result, stress can cause short-term memory loss, sleep problems, tension headaches, anxiety and irritability, indigestion, and heart palpitations — all of which can worsen over time.
This is why you need to figure out healthy ways to deal with stress.
“ ‘One small step at a time.’ This is the perfect mindset to start de-stressing. Trying to tackle stress is in itself stressful, so we also need to identify whether there are some mental, emotional and spiritual chains binding us up. First, are we stressed over things we cannot or should not change, over false guilt? Second, is there unaddressed grief, confusion and pain we should tackle in a safe place with a professional? Reach out to someone locally for help as your first small step to making your life-freeing changes. Start with your church, local medical professionals, local senior centers, etc.” - The Delaware Retiree Connection TEAM
So, what are some of the things you can do to help manage your stress? Here are some ideas.
Learn to breath - I know that sounds funny since you have been breathing your entire life but here is the thing, because we all do it every day, we don’t think about it, we just do it. However, there are exercises in breathing that can help reduce the stress you are feeling. The best part is, they are free, easy and you can do them any time you want or need to. A popular exercise is called the 4-7-8 breathing technique. You inhale through your nose for 4 counts, hold your breath for 7 counts, then release it forcefully for 8 counts. Doing this can help ease some of that stress away.
Mind games – Doing the crossword puzzle, playing Sudoku, playing cards with friends or on your tablet or computer all help keep the mind sharp while you have fun, which helps keep stress levels down.
Socialize - Spend time with friends and family. Consider moving into a senior community to be with people your age with similar interests. Being isolated can be a stress inducer that we really don’t consider nearly enough.
The Delaware Retiree Connection TEAM
