Coping With Stress For the Senior Population

Chronic stress is widely believed to accelerate biological aging. Studies confirm its adverse effects on immune system function, as well as how we respond to hidden inflammation.1  A strong coping response is derived from the combination of exercise and other recreational activities.  In addition to their use as stress coping mechanisms, there are also considerable benefits to be derived from both exercise and recreational programming for elderly adults.  This is especially so when keeping in mind that the respondents reporting low levels of family support tended to link (a) exercise and medically related stressors and (b) exercise and living arrangement stressors.  Recreational and exercise programs can promote friendships, reduce loneliness, and partly replace the support gained by high levels of family contact.2

Stress and Aging

Challenges, which often go hand-in-hand with aging and can cause both short-term and chronic stress, may include:

• 

  Photo By:  Stress Management

  A serious illness3
• Multiple medical conditions3
• Physical limitations3
• Chronic pain3

Tips For Coping With Stress

Listed below are some ways seniors can cope with stress.

• Participate in social and community activities3
• Take care of yourself3
• Learn and use relaxation techniques3
• Stay focused on positive things3
• Exercise

Finding Help

If you have an ongoing problem with stress and worry that prevents you from enjoying life, and you feel that you cannot control these feelings, help is available. Seeking the assistance of a psychologist may be beneficial. Three of the therapeutic approaches that psychologists use to help older adults who are having problems with stress and anxiety are:3

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Relaxation training
• Supportive therapy

As health care providers it is important for us to provide support, resources, education, and be advocates for our patients/clients.  Just remember that even the smallest gesture can have a huge impact.

References:

1Stress and Aging:  The American Institute of Stress.  Retrieved July 13, 2015, from http://www.stress.org/seniors/

2Stress Coping Mechanisms in Elderly Adults:  An Initial Study of recreational and Other Coping Behaviors. Retrieved July 13, 2015, from http://www.rightathome.net/fox-valley/blog/stress-coping-mechanisms-in-elderly-adults-an-initial-study-of-recreational-and-other-coping-behaviors/#

3Coping with Stress and Anxiety. Retrieved July 13, 2015, from https://www.apa.org/pi/aging/09-33-coping-with-stress-fin.pdf