3 Strategies for Dealing With Anxiety in Seniors

Senior Anxiety

Anxiety disorder can affect up to 14% of people over the age of 65! The symptoms of anxiety can cause serious decline in health and quality of life.

So What Is Anxiety And How Do I Know If That’s What’s Wrong?

Anxiety is a frequent feeling of intense, excessive, and persistent nervousness, worry, or unease typically about an imminent event, something with an uncertain outcome, or everyday situations. Anxiety can interfere with everyday functions, so it is important to help your loved one, or yourself, manage. Some symptoms of anxiety in those over the age of 65 could be:

-Restlessness

-Constant calling to check in with family members just to talk to someone

-Feeling weak or tired

-Sitting or sleeping all day

-Not wanting to leave the house alone

-Experiencing GI problems

-Having difficulty controlling worry

-Trembling, sweating, or difficulty concentrating

-Difficulty sleeping

It is important to note that health conditions such as cancer, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson’s can cause symptoms of anxiety. Make it a priority to first have a thorough physical examination to rule out any physical conditions.

If you think your senior may be dealing with anxiety, here are 3 strategies to help them better manage it:

1. Focus On A Good Diet

   Time and time again we have learned from research that your stomach is connected to your brain. What you eat can directly effect your emotions, how you handle stress, mental clarity, and more. It’s important to:

   Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine

   Stay Hydrated

   Maintain a well balanced diet- Drastic swings in blood pressure can definitely worsen anxiety. Make sure you are eating a variety of colors of fruit and vegetables, focusing on whole grains and complex carbohydrates, skipping the simple carbs and sugars, and getting your protein in.

   Here are some great food ideas to incorporate into snacks or meals:

   -Almonds

   -Apples

   -Avocado

   -Cashews

   -Eggs

   -Kefir

   -Whole Grain Bread

   -Brown Rice

   -Fish

   -Dark Leafy Greens

2. Exercise

   Physical activity can counter anxiety. Just 5 minutes of aerobic exercise will improve mood, provide more positive outlook on life, relieve tension, and result in better sleep. Getting out of the house and moving decrease the likelihood of anxiety by 25%!

   Try these things:

   -Going on 10 minute walks around the neighborhood

   -Parking farther away from the grocery store and walking around the grocery store

   -Try yoga in the park

   -Try Tai Chi

   -Go to group activities

   -Walk on the treadmill

3. Get Therapy

   Therapy would be a great option for someone over the age of 65 struggling with anxiety. Most cases will respond very well to a combination of counseling, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication. Meeting with a professional can provide guidance for their thoughts an emotions. It can help them navigate changes in their lives as they age.

Common Reasons Older Adults End Up In The Emergency Room

Common Reasons Older Adults End Up In The Emergency Room

1. Fall Related Injuries

   Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. According to the National Council on Aging, a senior is treated in the emergency room every 13 seconds for injuries related to a fall! Older adults experience a fall for many reasons, including: torn carpets, unsteady stairs, poor nutrition, vision loss, medication causing dizziness, and balance problems.

2. Medication Mistakes and Side Effects

   Problems with medications send millions of older adults to a hospital emergency room each year. Sometimes it is a dosage mistake—skipping a dose or taking too much—and other times it may be a side effect or adverse reaction.

   Some prescription medications are more likely to cause problems than others. According to The New York Times, four medications are responsible for two-thirds of emergency room visits among seniors. They are blood thinners, insulin injections, aspirin, and oral diabetes drugs.

3. Complications From Diabetes

   Older adults who have diabetes are at higher risk for hospitalization than peers who don’t have the condition. Complications like stroke, heart attack, dehydration, unstable blood sugar, wounds, and ulcers are a few leading reasons.

   As our population continues to gray, the number of seniors in emergency rooms climbs. This has contributed to a rising trend of ERs designed to be senior-friendly. These specialty emergency rooms feature softer lighting, nonskid flooring, bedside toilets, thicker mattresses, and team members specifically trained in geriatric care.

   
   The Thing That Greatly Reduces ER Visits

   If an older adult in your life is making repeated trips to the hospital emergency room, and refuses to move to assisted living, assisted living on wheels might help. Companies like Personal Choice Services offer in-home care and assistance with benefits ranging from medication reminders or management, meal preparation, housekeeping, personal hygiene, shower assistance, or companionship.

   To find this kind of assistance in the Omaha area, Call us at 402-885-6700 to learn more!

Our Facebook Group

We have created a Facebook group called Silver Care Families and invite you to join!

This group is a community for those who have a disabled person or elderly person in their lives, and are looking for advice, help, or ideas to better care for them. This is a private group where members can share stories, experiences, and ask questions without fear of judgement.

Again, we invite you to join our group Silver Care Families ! The more people we can bring together, the more we can help those in need.

-PCS Team