A study by the American Institute of Stress found that 44% of seniors between the ages of 50 and 80 feel stressed. Another 28% feel depressed or hopeless.

There’s a unique relationship between aging and stress. Excessive stress can increase your risk of serious health problems, including dementia and cardiovascular disease.

This Stress Awareness Month, recognized in April, make an effort to start managing your stress. Read on to improve your senior mental health and quality of life!

Causes of Stress

According to the World Health Organization, stress is a state of worry or tension caused by difficult situations. This natural response prompts us to address threats and challenges.

A little stress is normal and can motivate us to complete daily tasks. Excessive stress, however, can affect your mental and physical health.

Common causes of stress in seniors include:

• Loneliness
• Boredom
• Chronic illness
• Major life changes
• Financial instability
• Loss or grief

Senior Mental Health Symptoms

Knowing how to recognize senior mental health symptoms caused by stress will help you determine when to seek help. Common symptoms of stress in seniors include:

• Crying
• Sleep disturbances
• Social withdrawal
• Poor concentration
• Memory issues
• Headaches
• Irritability or mood swings
• Digestive issues
• Heart palpitations

It’s easy to make excuses for these symptoms. Many people don’t recognize that they’re signs of stress.

If you experience symptoms that affect your ability to function throughout the day, seek help. Otherwise, chronic stress will continue affecting your mental and physical well-being.

Stress and Heart Health

Excessive stress may contribute to poor behaviors that can increase your risk for stroke and heart disease. These include:

• Not taking prescribed medications
• Smoking
• Overeating
• Eating unhealthy foods
• Not getting enough sleep
• Not being physically active
• Being overweight

Stressful situations cause a release of adrenaline and cortisol. These stress hormones will cause your heart rate and breathing to speed up. Your blood pressure will also rise, triggering your “fight or flight” response.

Chronic stress can cause high blood pressure, increasing your risk for stroke and heart attack. Meanwhile, improving your mental health may lower your risk by causing:

• Lower cholesterol
• Lower inflammation
• Better glucose control
• Lower blood pressure

If you’re concerned about stress and heart health, consult a doctor. They can help you develop a customized care plan based on your lifestyle and needs.

Managing Stress in Aging Seniors

Everyone reacts to stress differently. Some stress management techniques may work better for you than others. Try a few methods for managing stress in aging seniors to determine which works best for you.

Remove the Source

Identify the source of your stress. If possible, remove it from your life.

For example, perhaps you live alone and are stressed about maintaining your home. Consider moving into a Nacogdoches, TX, senior living community. You can maintain your independence while relying on experienced professionals for help with daily tasks.

Perhaps you recently lost a spouse or loved one. Consider joining a support group. Talking to seniors who understand what you’re experiencing can give you support and a sense of belonging.

Adjust Your Diet

Eat a healthy, nutritious, balanced diet to combat the effects of inflammation. A balanced diet should include:

• Lean proteins
• Fruits and vegetables
• Healthy fats
• Whole grains

Choose fruits and vegetables that are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants can fight oxidative stress that would otherwise damage cells.

Explore your Nacogdoches senior living community’s dining program for help with meal planning. A professional team can provide personalized recommendations based on your food preferences and dietary needs.

Stay Physically Active

Try to add 30 minutes of exercise to your daily routine. Regular exercise may help:

• Improve your mood
• Combat chronic illness
• Ease arthritis pain
• Reduce blood pressure

Check out your senior living community’s wellness programs for fitness classes. You can participate with friends to turn it into a social event.

Try different workouts, including:

• Strength training
• Walking
• Cycling
• Tai chi
• Yoga

Maintain Social Connections

Try to maintain your relationships with friends and family members. Staying social will reduce feelings of isolation and stress.

Make new friends by engaging in community activities like:

• Volunteering
• Book clubs
• Exercise classes
• Educational classes and seminars

Explore your senior living community’s events calendar for upcoming social opportunities. Otherwise, consider hosting your own social gathering. Connecting with other seniors will give you a sense of belonging and purpose.

Explore Hobbies

Maintaining fun, engaging hobbies can relieve stress by giving you something enjoyable to focus on. Stress-relieving hobbies include:

• Creative writing
• Gardening
• Puzzles
• Reading
• Knitting or crochet
• Hiking
• Playing an instrument
• Cooking
• Photography
• Dancing

Make time in your daily schedule for your favorite hobbies. You can participate with friends or go solo.

Relaxation Techniques

This Stress Awareness Month, pick up relaxation techniques like:

• Mindfulness
• Gratitude practices
• Meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Yoga
• Positive visualization

These stress-relieving practices may help relax tense muscles and calm racing thoughts. Techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness will encourage you to focus on the present instead of stressful thoughts.

Choose Senior Living

According to the National Institute on Aging, about 28% of older adults in the US live alone. Loneliness could increase your risk of:

• Cognitive decline
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Alzheimer’s disease
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Weakened immune system
• Obesity
• Death

Consider moving into a Nacogdoches senior living community. You can enjoy engaging in lifestyle programs while socializing with other seniors. Remaining active and social may improve your health and quality of life.

Consult a Professional

According to the American Psychological Association, over 60% of adults don’t talk about their stress to avoid burdening others. However, 47% wish they had someone to help them manage their stress. About 66% wish they had more emotional support than they received.

Talking to a therapist or psychologist may help you manage your stress. Try their techniques for improved emotional well-being for seniors.

Recognize Stress Awareness Month

Use Stress Awareness Month as an opportunity to make changes for the better. Apply these tips to improve your senior mental health. Remember, moving into a senior living community could make all the difference!

Look no further than Meadowview Place Assisted Living. We create individualized care plans to offer personal experiences for every resident.

Thrive in mind and body through our engaging activities, exclusive programs, and comfortable accommodations. Contact us now to schedule a tour of our community in Nacogdoches, TX!