The retirement years may become stressful, and many aging adults fear growing old alone. Fortunately, there are some simple strategies seniors can adopt to keep problems like anxiety, stress, and depression at bay. Here are a few stress reduction tips for seniors.
1. Avoid Sweeping Concerns Under the Rug
Aging adults should write down their concerns as they arise and discuss them with family members or counselors. Taking steps to resolve small problems before they spiral out of control is better than pretending the problems don’t exist at all.
2. Establish a Support Team
There may be times when seniors fail to take action simply because they don’t know the right actions to take. Family members should arrange support teams so their aging loved ones know where to go with specific questions and concerns. Having an action plan to address health or financial concerns is an excellent way to prevent stress.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior home 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.
3. Identify Resources
There are a number of social and community resources seniors can turn to when facing financial challenges. These include low-cost transportation services for elderly and disabled people, food pantries, meal delivery services, and free or low-cost counseling.
4. Take Classes at a Recreation Center
Getting out and socializing is an effective way to relieve stress. Classes at senior recreation centers keep aging adults engaged by challenging their minds and exposing them to like-minded individuals. Talking about troubling life changes with peers can be cathartic for seniors and make it easier for them to work through difficult emotions.
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.
5. Engage in Meditation, Mindfulness, & Diaphragmatic Breathing
Stress can have a significant impact on a person’s physical health. Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and diaphragmatic breathing are good for keeping away negative thoughts, and they can also have a positive impact on heart rate and brain wave patterns. Engaging in stress-relieving activities that promote calmness and focus can also make it easier for seniors to work through many of their problems.
6. Ask for Help
It’s important for seniors to feel comfortable about asking for help. Changes in mobility and cognitive functioning often make it difficult for aging adults to maintain complete independence. Seniors should know how to reach out for help when they need it, such as connecting with local advocates for the elderly or other social service organizations.
7. Engage in Routine Exercise
Working out is one of the most effective ways to beat stress at every stage of life. However, seniors don’t have to engage in rigorous activities to boost their mood. They can take long afternoon walks, use stationary bicycles, or consider low-impact workouts.
For seniors with mobility limitations or health conditions that make it difficult to exercise on their own, professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of support. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional at-home care. Clearwater families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (727) 330-7862 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.