Stress is something that everyone deals with from time to time, but too much stress can negatively impact your mental and physical health. This is true for people of any age, but as you get older, your body might not be able to recover or compensate as much as it did when you were younger. And, specific stressors tend to affect seniors more than others, so this guide will address these common concerns and how to cope with them.
If you’re feeling stressed out, there are some straightforward ways to reduce anxiety and feel relaxed. Whether reading a book or going on a walk, these simple solutions help you feel calm throughout your week.
1.Follow some quick stress managing tips for daily anxieties
Even for people who don’t have constant issues with anxiety, the daily stress of life can become draining. Some days, you’ll feel more stressed than others. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, the American Heart Association suggests taking one of these simple steps. And, these options can be modified or work for most people of any age:
- Go on a walk in nature. Or, if you can’t walk, try to sit outside.
- Read a book or magazine. It’s also possible to listen to an audiobook.
- Do a project inside your home or around your yard. You can pick something that’s accessible to you, such as doing a puzzle or spending time in your garden.
- Reach out to a loved one as connecting with others is a great way to relieve stress.
While this isn’t a comprehensive list, these options can help distract you from what’s causing your distress.
2.Reduce technology stress with devices like Amazon Echo.
While some people stay very current on technology as they age, it can be challenging to keep up with the rapidly changing expectations of things like texting and video calling. Luckily, there are some ways to reduce this stress as a senior. Some devices, like the Amazon Echo, can be set up once to auto-answer for you (so you don’t have to remember how) or to respond to very simple voice commands (e.g. “Alexa, call Jennifer”). You can get help from someone in your life who knows about technology or over the phone from customer support.
DailyCaring.com, an advice site for caregivers, has this article on gifts for elderly women, and they discuss the pros and cons of different Amazon Echo versions, including the “drop-in” feature that automatically answers calls for you.
When looking for an Amazon Echo device, there are pros and cons to the various versions. The baseline model is the Amazon Echo (4th Gen). This updated model features the “drop-in” ability that automatically answers calls for users, which is a great option for elderly loved ones you know. This feature also enables you to easily speak to your loved ones through Alexa as it acts as an intercom. Another great choice with drop-in capability is the Amazon Echo Dot. It’s smaller and cheaper but doesn’t have as good of a speaker.
3.Focus on overall health habits
Everyone needs to do what they can to stay healthy, and this will go a long way in managing life stressors. Eating a balanced diet and drinking water is essential, and you should also try to get into a consistent sleep schedule. But, as you age, it may become more difficult to maintain balance in these areas. However, according to Cleveland Clinic, minor changes, such as doing what you can to increase daily physical activity, can make a difference.
4.Get help from medical professionals
If you are struggling with constant stress and anxiety, changing small things in your life might not be enough. The best way to cope with stress that feels unmanageable is to talk to your doctor. They can work with you to figure out treatment options and help you be as happy and healthy as possible at any age. It’s best not to make any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle without consulting a healthcare professional first.
5.Be gentle with yourself.
It can be frustrating to age and find that your physical or even mental capabilities are different than they were before. These changes can cause extra stress, so don’t be too hard on yourself. If there are some adjustments you can make to feel more calm and relaxed, try to do them, but don’t beat yourself up if you can’t.