According to the American Institute of Stress, 44% of American adults ages 50 to 80 feel stressed. Another 28% feel depressed or hopeless.

There’s a unique connection between senior mental health and aging. For example, stress affects the body’s ability to respond to inflammation, which may lead to health problems. As Stress Awareness Month, April grants us a great opportunity to make a change for the better.

Unsure of how to start managing stress in aging seniors? Read on for our helpful relaxation techniques for better senior mental health!

Senior Mental Health Symptoms

Stress is a natural mental and physical reaction to situations and experiences. While it’s normal to experience occasional stress, chronic stress can affect your overall well-being. Senior mental health symptoms associated with stress include:

Stomachaches
Weakened immune systems
Increased risk of heart attack
High blood pressure
Pounding heart
Heartburn
Erectile dysfunction
Tense muscles
Low sex drive
High blood sugar
Insomnia
Headaches
Increased depression

If you experience these symptoms, consult a medical professional right away. They’ll determine if your symptoms are related to stress or an underlying condition.

Mental health conditions in older people often remain under-recognized and under-treated. According to the World Health Organization, 14% of adults ages 60 and older have a mental disorder. However, many never receive a diagnosis or treatment.

Without a diagnosis, stress can have a long-term impact on your overall health. For example, it may increase your risk of developing:

Type 2 diabetes
Obesity
Stroke
Heart attack
Chronic pain

What’s the connection between stress and heart health? Stress can trigger inflammation, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. It may cause digestive problems, reduced blood flow to the heart, and an irregular heart rate.

Consider moving into a senior living community like Morada Midwest City in Midwest City, OK. We offer quality care for seniors looking for a comforting, engaging community. Our next-level amenities may help ease your risk of stress, isolation, and declining health.

Managing Stress in Aging

Activities for managing stress can improve the emotional well-being for seniors. Here are a few stress management techniques you can add to your daily routine.

Physical Activity

Aerobic exercise can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Exercising boosts the production of endorphins (chemicals that act as mood elevators and natural painkillers). These chemicals often produce a “runner’s high” and feelings of relaxation after a workout.

Exercising can offer emotional benefits. For example, you may see your waistline shrinking, improving your self-image and confidence.

Regular exercise is associated with general well-being and lower rates of anxiety and mood disorders. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day, whether it’s water aerobics or a short walk.

Explore your senior living community’s wellness program for exercise classes. You can participate among friends, relieving feelings of stress and loneliness while improving your overall health.

Healthy Diet

Nutrition affects our mental and physical well-being. Some foods may help ease anxiety, namely those rich in:

Probiotics
Protein
Fiber
Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin B12
Magnesium

Consult your senior living community’s dining program for healthy food options. You can work with professionals at Morada Midwest City to develop a healthy diet that suits your needs and preferences.

Relaxation Techniques

Explore different relaxation techniques, such as:

Deep breathing
Meditation
Yoga
Pilates

You can find guided classes through your senior living community’s wellness program. These relaxation techniques can relieve cortisol, reduce anxiety, and promote feelings of calmness. You can use some techniques, like deep breathing, outside of class when you’re feeling stressed.

Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Getting sufficient sleep can help you manage rising cortisol levels.

Consider moving into a senior living community to improve your sleep environment. Make sure your room is dark, quiet, and comfortable. Improving your environment may help you fall and stay asleep.

Professional Help

If you’re struggling to manage chronic stress, ask for help. Working with a medical professional may help you discover effective methods for managing stress in aging seniors.

Consider joining a support group through your senior living community. Talking to other seniors may help you ease feelings of stress and anxiety. They can validate your feelings, which can help you feel seen and supported.

Senior Living

Moving into a senior living community may help ease your stress and the resulting symptoms. Living in a community like Morada Midwest City will remove stressors from your environment.

For example, you won’t need to worry about maintenance issues or maintaining a home. Instead, you can rely on a team of professionals when you need help.

Moving into a senior living community will allow you to maintain your independence and receive the help you need. This can ease your stress levels while allowing you to enjoy your golden years in comfort.

Social Connections

Many seniors live alone, resulting in 34% of adults ages 50 to 80 reporting feelings of isolation, according to the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. Reports of these feelings were more common in seniors who reported fair or poor mental health (77%).

According to the National Institute of Aging, social isolation and loneliness in older adults can pose serious health risks. For example, your risk of physical and mental health conditions may increase, including:

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

Meanwhile, people who engage in productive and meaningful activities tend to live longer. Finding a community can improve your mood and sense of purpose.

Explore your senior living community’s events calendar for opportunities to socialize. Engaging with other seniors can reduce your feelings of isolation, loneliness, and stress. This could improve your senior mental health and outlook on life.

Recognizing Stress Awareness Month

To recap, why is Stress Awareness Month important? It’s a reminder to implement stress management strategies that may benefit your overall health. Give these tips for managing stress in aging seniors a try yourself!

Remember, you can always ask for help. At Morada Midwest City, we offer next-level senior living amenities that can ease your stress levels.

Discover our supportive environment, engaging programs, and amenities tailored to meet your unique needs. Contact us now to schedule your upcoming tour in Midwest City, OK!