{"id":5160,"date":"2023-11-21T07:21:50","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T15:21:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/?p=5160"},"modified":"2023-11-21T07:21:56","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T15:21:56","slug":"how-to-help-aging-adults-with-anxiety-strategies-for-stress-free-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/how-to-help-aging-adults-with-anxiety-strategies-for-stress-free-living\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Help Aging Adults with Anxiety: Strategies for Stress-Free Living\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Summary<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>\u2022 A little anxiety from time to time is normal, but anxiety becomes a problem when we experience extreme stress that affects our daily lives.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>\u2022 Aging adults are also affected by anxiety disorders, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common type among older people.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>\u2022 It can be difficult to identify anxiety in older people as the natural aging process and other health conditions have similar symptoms.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>\u2022 A medical alert device can help relieve anxiety in older folks by ensuring there\u2019s someone that they can easily call when they have anxious feelings or panic attacks.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><p>Mental health issues have gained considerable attention in recent years, but the primary focus seems to be on younger generations. Older adults are often forgotten when it comes to mental health issues.&nbsp;<\/p><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/mental-health-of-older-adults\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">World Health Organization (WHO)<\/a> estimates that around 15% of older adults across the globe have a mental health disorder, while the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/aging\/pdf\/mental_health.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/a> found that 20% of people in the U.S. over the age of 55 have a mental health concern.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Despite these statistics, aging adults&nbsp;who are struggling with their mental health seldom get help. Various factors can make it difficult for older folks to gain access to the treatment or counseling they need to feel better and truly live their best lives during their retirement.&nbsp;<\/p><p>We\u2019ve put together a list of the common anxiety disorders that older people are affected by. We also explain how to identify the warning signs and what you can do to help your aging loved ones live more peacefully.\u00a0<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Anxiety?&nbsp;<\/h2><p>Anxiety is the feeling of unease or nervousness in response to a stressor. It is one of the body\u2019s defense mechanisms. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/01\/19\/well\/mind\/anxiety-benefits.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">normal level of anxiety is a good thing<\/a> as it acts as an internal alarm system to keep us safe.&nbsp;<\/p><p>However, when our anxiety starts to overwhelm us and makes everyday tasks difficult \u2014o r even impossible \u2014 that\u2019s when we may have an anxiety disorder.&nbsp;<\/p><p>In the U.S., anxiety disorders affect more than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nami.org\/About-Mental-Illness\/Mental-Health-Conditions\/Anxiety-Disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">40 million adults<\/a>, making it one of the most common mental health conditions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety in Older Adults?&nbsp;<\/h2><p>Anxiety can cause a range of symptoms in older adults and not everyone experiences it in the same way.&nbsp;<\/p><p>If you suspect your aging loved one may have increased anxiety\u2014or one of the anxiety disorders we\u2019ll mention below \u2014 be sure to treat them with kindness and empathy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>This will make them feel safe enough to open up to you or a mental health professional. Common anxiety symptoms include:&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Becoming increasingly withdrawn and refusing to participate in activities they\u2019d once loved&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Increased forgetfulness and irritability&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Decreased appetite and weight&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Breathing difficulties and nausea&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Sleep difficulties, headaches, and confusion&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Vision problems&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Fatigue and muscle tension or soreness&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Avoiding certain people and places&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>A reluctance to leave home&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Irrational or obsessive thoughts&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Shortness of breath&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Stomach pain or discomfort&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is it difficult to recognize symptoms of anxiety in aging adults?&nbsp;<\/h3><p>It can be difficult to detect anxiety in aging adults as most of the symptoms may appear to be part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5896683\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">natural aging process<\/a>, which includes symptoms like decreased cognitive ability, muscle weakness, and forgetfulness.&nbsp;<\/p><p>It\u2019s important to look at the whole picture when it comes to anxiety in seniors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>For example, if your loved one needs someone to drive them around or they have dementia and can\u2019t be left on their own, then staying indoors often \u2014 which is a classic symptom of social anxiety \u2014 may be a practical decision rather than a sign of an anxiety disorder.\u00a0<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Most Common Anxiety Disorders in Seniors?&nbsp;<\/h2><p>If an aging loved one displays anxiety symptoms that do not fade over time \u2014 like after they\u2019ve grieved the death of a loved one \u2014 they may have one of the following disorders:\u00a0<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)&nbsp;<\/h3><p>People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) feel worried all the time about regular things like health, money, family, and work, even if there\u2019s no specific reason to.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full has-custom-border\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/woman-thinking-sad-anxious.jpg\" alt=\"An older woman has her head in her hands as she looks anxious or sad. \" class=\"wp-image-5163\" style=\"border-radius:20px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/woman-thinking-sad-anxious.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/woman-thinking-sad-anxious-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><p>Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep disturbances are common in people with GAD.&nbsp;<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scielo.br\/j\/jbpsiq\/a\/QgBKdnLdznCWRW3WDkcghrH\/?format=pdf&amp;lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GAD<\/a> is the most common anxiety disorder among older adults.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)&nbsp;<\/h3><p>People with obsessive-compulsive disorder experience unwanted thoughts or obsessions and then perform repeated actions or rituals to get rid of these obsessive thoughts.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>A good example of this is someone who obsesses over germs or viruses and repeatedly washes their hands.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Those who have a social anxiety disorder \u2014 which is sometimes known as <em>social phobia <\/em>\u2014 experience excessive worry when it comes to social interactions. This debilitating worry often makes people reluctant to leave the house.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>Social anxiety can be particularly damaging to older adults as it sometimes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/living-with-social-anxiety-disorder-as-an-older-adult-4135294\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">prevents them from eating in front of others<\/a> \u2014 which can be tricky if they need assistance at mealtimes.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) happens when someone has a hard time moving on after seeing or experiencing a terrifying event. They may have bad dreams or experience flashbacks, feel very anxious, or avoid things that remind them of that event.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Seniors who are veterans are more likely to struggle with PTSD than other aging adults, so pay special attention to loved ones who have served in the armed forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>The symptoms of PTSD may become more noticeable in a retired adult who no longer has a fixed routine or career to distract them from troubling thoughts.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/how-to-help-aging-veterans-with-ptsd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">helping veterans with PTSD<\/a> may be a useful read if you have a loved one living with post-traumatic stress disorder.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Panic disorder (PD)&nbsp;<\/h3><p>People with panic disorder experience sudden, overwhelming moments of intense fear called panic attacks. These can cause symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, and breathing difficulties.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/woman-panic-attack.jpg\" alt=\"An older woman has a panic attack as the room swirls around her. \" class=\"wp-image-5164\" style=\"border-radius:20px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/woman-panic-attack.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/woman-panic-attack-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><p>Those with PD might also be scared of having more panic attacks, so they avoid certain people, circumstances, or places that trigger panic attacks.\u00a0<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Can I Do to Help an Older Adult with Anxiety?&nbsp;<\/h2><p>The good news is that older adults tend to respond better to psychological therapy than younger people, and this claim is backed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0165032721006728\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">research<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>There are several great workshops and support groups an adult who is struggling with anxiety can attend, like these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/health-shots\/2023\/08\/14\/1193738304\/mental-health-older-adults\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u2018stealth mental health\u2019 workshops<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>Because many older people still attach a stigma to mental health issues, it may be difficult to get your loved one to warm up to the idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>Fortunately, some support groups are not labeled with the words \u2018mental health\u2019, and this could make an older person more willing to attend.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/how-to-improve-mental-health-in-aging-adults\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our article<\/a> on how to help improve mental health in aging adults.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Here are some steps you can take to help an aging loved one who is struggling:\u00a0<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Combine socializing and exercising&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Aging adults should keep fit and strong by eating properly and getting enough exercise. Because you may encounter some pushback if you suggest social activities to an adult with anxiety, try combining these activities with exercise.&nbsp;<\/p><p>A walking club or hiking club that meets weekly is a good start.&nbsp;<\/p><p>They may warm to the idea of socializing if it\u2019s centered around physical activity \u2014 they\u2019ll likely be too busy watching their step to feel worried or embarrassed!\u00a0<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/older-men-laughing-playing-cards.jpg\" alt=\"Older men smile and laugh as they play cards outside together. \" class=\"wp-image-5165\" style=\"border-radius:20px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/older-men-laughing-playing-cards.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/older-men-laughing-playing-cards-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><p>That being said, as long as an activity is offering positive social interactions, that&#8217;s a great thing in itself. <\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan ahead&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Anxiety is often associated with fear of the future, so planning for the future can help decrease our fears about it.&nbsp;<\/p><p>If, for example, your parent is determined to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/aging-in-place-comfortably-make-the-most-of-golden-years\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">age in place<\/a>, preparations for this should be made years in advance. Planning ahead will also help aging parents \u2014 or yourself when you hit that age \u2014 avoid feeling anxious about retirement provisions.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Focus on financial security&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Even if your parent successfully managed their own finances for years, their judgment and cognitive abilities may be affected in old age, so they\u2019ll need your help now.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>Assisting a parent with their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/helping-seniors-cut-costs-save-money-and-live-well-on-a-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">budget<\/a> and monitoring their spending habits will also give you peace of mind.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get them to counseling&nbsp;<\/h3><p>This can be difficult, especially if your loved one has preconceived ideas about therapy. But it\u2019s an essential step for those suffering from anxiety disorders or those who\u2019ve recently lost someone and may be struggling with their grief.&nbsp;<\/p><p>If your parent is very\u00a0against therapy, find one of the \u2018stealth mental health\u2019 workshops near you or offer to accompany them to a session for support.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep the lines of communication open&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Anyone with anxiety could benefit greatly from having a trusted person \u2014 like a friend or family member \u2014 call or visit them regularly. Just speaking to someone about how your day went and what you did is one of the best stress management techniques.&nbsp;<\/p><p>But as much as we\u2019d like to be there for our loved ones all the time, family members have their own lives and distance may separate them from their aging relatives. They might reside in different states or even different countries. This is where <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LogicMark<\/a> can help.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/how-do-medical-alert-systems-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medical alert devices<\/a> can be preprogrammed so that emergency contacts are called when someone needs help\u2014and people who are prone to having panic attacks may require help more often than other aging adults.&nbsp;<\/p><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/product\/freedom-alert-plus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Freedom Alert Plus<\/a> even has fall detection, so emergency servcies or an emergency contact (depending on how the device is programmed) are called automatically in the event of a fall. This can be a lifesaving feature for people who live on their own\u2014especially those who have other health conditions, like anxiety.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can LogicMark Help an Aging Adult with Anxiety?&nbsp;<\/h2><p>Whether your loved one has one of the anxiety disorders mentioned in this article, or they\u2019re just struggling to adjust to their new life after retirement, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LogicMark<\/a> can help keep you connected to them.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Our wide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/product-category\/medical-alert-devices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">range of medical alert devices<\/a> and accessories cater to every need and will make your family feel safe, even when you\u2019re not around. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/customer-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get in touch<\/a> to learn more.&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mental health issues have gained considerable attention in recent years, but the primary focus seems to be on younger generations<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":5162,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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