Stress can play a major role in life, regardless of a person’s age. For seniors, stress can become overwhelming as they manage finances, decreasing independence, the loss of family members and friends, and failing health. This is why it’s important for older adults and their loved ones to have a number of stress relief mechanisms in place. Here are a few ways to relieve stress in the golden years.
1. Exercise
Exercise is a great stress reliever for people of all ages. However, some seniors don’t get as much physical activity as they should. Physical activity causes the body to release endorphins, the hormones that keep people happy. Exercise also boosts overall health and regulates sleep patterns, which can relieve some stress. Seniors who aren’t as active or mobile as they once were can try going for a walk, swimming, or doing water aerobics, yoga, or tai chi.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elder care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Read
If your loved one isn’t quite as independent as he or she would like to be, this may cause some stress. However, reading can relax the mind. Encourage your loved one to take a trip to the local library or bookstore and revisit some old classics, pick up some new bestsellers, or check out a biography or book of poetry. Your loved one can even download e-books or make use of many reading apps on mobile devices.
3. Adopt a Pet
A lack of mobility or lost social connections can make seniors feel lonely, isolated, and depressed. These feelings can adversely affect their overall health and quality of life. Pets not only offer unconditional love, but caring for them could also keep your loved one active and healthy.
For families living in Clearwater, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
4. Look to Faith
As people age, they sometimes become more spiritual. If your loved one is religious, consider taking him or her to weekly services at a local church or other place of worship. Through these weekly services, your loved one may make new friends, find opportunities to volunteer, and attend other activities throughout the week. Your loved one may also find prayer and meditation associated with faith helpful in managing stress.
5. Listen to Music
Sometimes, just playing a little music can completely reverse a bad mood. Make sure your loved one has access to a stereo or another way to play his or her favorite tunes. With today’s technology, your loved one may need a lesson on downloading or streaming music or using an MP3 player, but he or she will likely love to hear songs from years past and may even enjoy some new music.
6. Laugh
Laughing can quickly relieve stress in many situations. Encourage your loved one to spend time with friends who make him or her laugh, or even consider taking your loved one to a funny play or to see a comedian perform. Watch sitcoms, movies, and humorous videos on YouTube together.
7. Develop a Green Thumb
Just being around nature can be a natural stress reliever for some people. Gardening is a wonderful way for your loved one to get in touch with nature, learn something new, and even get some exercise. Whether your loved one wants to grow flowers, vegetables, or a combination of plants, help him or her set up a space in the yard. If your loved one doesn’t have a yard or has limited mobility, set up a container garden on a porch, patio, deck, or even inside a sunny window.
Seniors who need help reducing their stress levels and making healthier lifestyle choices can benefit from professional in-home care. In Clearwater, homecare services agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (727) 330-7862 today.