Stress is a common part of life for people of all ages. But for seniors, stress can be even more overwhelming. Researchers have identified common health problems associated with chronic stress levels including heart diseases, diabetes, headaches, depression, gastrointestinal problems, and even Alzheimer’s Disease. At Twin Town Villa, our staff works hard to ensure that each resident’s health needs are met – including physical, mental, and emotional health. Let’s take a closer look at stress relief for senior citizens.
Reducing Stress in Senior Citizens & Elderly
Get Exercise and Movement: Exercise increases lung capacity, bone density, and overall longevity. Exercise looks different for everyone. For some just actions of daily living can provide benefits. Other older adults may enjoy walking, light aerobics, or gentle yoga. For elderly people who may be sedentary most of the day, even a period of standing helps decrease the loss of bone density.
- Find a Sense of Community: When friendships and positive relationships are formed, it can lead to more happiness. Living in an assisted living community like Twin Town Villa provides a built-in community of peers and caretakers to talk to, do activities with, and enjoy life with. Senior citizens who are living alone with little interaction with others may experience higher stress levels.
- Eat Healthy Foods: Stress levels can be affected when we eat food that lacks proper nutrition. It is important for seniors to avoid high levels of sugar. Foods with higher levels of vitamins and minerals, and low in carbs and saturated fats will increase cognitive function for seniors and may even have other health benefits such as lowering blood pressure.
- Minimize News Consumption: It is not uncommon for reading or watching the news on TV to create stress or anxiety for senior citizens or people of all ages for that matter. If news causes stress, it may mean not watching the news, watching less, or switching to a different activity such as reading a book or talking to a friend.
- Getting Help: When the time comes that your loved one needs additional help for daily living tasks, it’s important to get them the help they need. This may mean checking in on them more often, hiring a caregiver, or finding a home in an assisted living community. There are various options depending on what the individual’s level of need and assistance is. Having help with health-related services such as medications, and knowing that they are safe, relieves stress for both them and their loved ones.
Signs of Stress in Elderly Adults
There are many psychological and emotional signs of stress including anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and general mood swings. Others may experience trouble sleeping (or sleeping too much), changes in eating habits, or lack of motivation. If seniors have new problems with memory or concentration, that may also indicate a sign of stress.
Questions? Reach out to us!
Despite the current COVID-19 stress put on families, staff, and residents, Twin Town Villa is working hard to provide a safe and healthy environment that also provides support and activities for our residents’ mental health. We encourage positive stress relievers such as patio visits, Facetime calls, activities and hobbies, and other ways we can safely bring our Twin Town Villa community together. If you have questions about Twin Town Villa or would like to schedule a virtual tour, please contact us online or call 218.643.9542.