What Are Common Stressors as You Age?

Stress in older adults may come from a variety of different occurrences. Some stressors could include managing chronic illness, losing a spouse, adjusting to changes due to finances or retirement, or separation from friends and family. These types of changes in a senior’s life are very normal, though it is important to know how to manage them and maintain control of one’s stress.

Stress-Related Symptoms

Sometimes, stress can take a toll on the body, and you can experience physical symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:

  • Tension headaches
  • Back pain
  • Indigestion
  • Heart palpitations
  • Poor concentration
  • Indecisiveness
  • Irritability

After experiencing symptoms of stress, it is important to seek relief. Chronic stress in adults increases the risk of heart disease, heartburn, and many other health problems. Stress can also increase blood sugar, elevate blood pressure, or cause insomnia.

How To Cope with Stress

To manage stress, older adults can participate in a variety of activities that are calming and gentle on the body. At Wesley Enhanced Living, residents can participate in many soothing activities, including but not limited to gardening, bird watching, art programs, and even yoga.

Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness can help with focusing on the present and living in the moment. Mindfulness also helps quiet a busy mind and leave stress in the past. When experiencing stress or anxiety, many seniors find mindfulness or meditation helpful to center themselves and acknowledge and accept their feelings.

Exercising

Exercise releases endorphins in the body that generally boost moods. Taking a daily walk can be a very easy way to stay physically and mentally healthy. Focusing on an exercise often helps people with living in the moment and working through stress. Other gentile exercises like yoga are also very helpful.

Connect With a Community

Sometimes when experiencing stress, it can feel easier to carry the burden alone, but it is very important to confide in others for support. A sense of community allows people to feel safe and accepted during difficult times.

Eat Nutritious Foods

Nutrition has a large impact on the brain as well as physical wellbeing. It’s critical to mental health and stress levels that the food seniors eat be chock-full of nutrients their bodies need to optimally function. This generally means a diet low in carbohydrates and high in healthy, lean proteins. Recommended balanced diets include an abundance of vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, nuts, eggs, and salads. Seniors should also try to minimize sugar intake.

Managing Your Stress with Ease at Wesley Enhanced Living

Managing your stress can be easy with the help of the staff at Wesley Enhanced Living. Through various group exercise activities, a highly trained healthy culinary team, and a strong sense of community, seniors will have no trouble finding ways to cope with stress. Discover why our senior living communities are perfect for you! Contact us about our Independent Living, Personal Care, and Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing options today!

Wesley Enhanced Living provides high-quality senior retirement communities for you or your loved ones. Contact one of our Philadelphia-area locations and find out why our seniors love where they live. Our staff is happy to discuss your elder’s needs or your own and inform you of our range of services. Virtual tours are now available. Call us today for more information.