Everyone experiences stress and reacts to it differently. As people age, the cells change and the response to stress also changes. Sometimes, seniors have difficulty identifying the reason for their stress. They may not be able to clearly explain why they’re stressed. Life changes and physical changes may cause stress in seniors. These factors can be a change in relationship with their family, too much idle time on their hands, vision/hearing/mobility changes. Signs that a person is stressed include:
- Tension headaches
- Sleep issues
- Poor concentration
- Anxiety/Crying/Irritability
There are ways to trigger a relaxation response instead of stress response. Tai chi, meditation, and time in quiet and familiar places. If stress occurs too frequently, it can be very harmful to health and quality of life. Having excessive stress too often can cause lasting effects. The effects can range from high blood pressure, weakened immune system, anxiety/depression disorders, to heartburn/indigestion. Understanding the causes of stress can help determine treatment options. Treating stress and making sure it happens as little as possible is important for living a happy and healthy lifestyle.