Approximately 10 to 20 percent of the elderly suffer from anxiety, making it one of the most common mental health conditions for older adults. Anxiety is a type of disorder that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to deal with anxiety. Amongst the elderly, there are a few common causes of increased anxiety, including social isolation, loneliness, depression, and even the stress of having to depend on others. If you are dealing with an elder that has anxiety due to these reasons, perhaps you can consider introducing them to a senior living community where they can meet other like-minded people, which can help to reduce their anxiety. Read on to find out more about how you can relieve anxiety in the elderly.
Teach Them Breathing Exercises
Breathing is an excellent way to help manage the symptoms of anxiety. When someone takes a deep breath, there is more carbon dioxide in the blood which in turn helps to calm the portion of the brain in charge of anxiety. It can also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which soothes a person and helps them relax. While these exercises take a bit of time to master, they become a lot more effective over time once they develop a habit of deep breathing.
Stay Mindful
Practicing mindfulness for a few minutes every day can help to significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety. Being mindful means that one is always completely focused on the present, instead of the uncontrollable future or the past. When you teach older adults to be mindful, allow them to observe what they are thinking or feeling without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can be combined with breathing exercises.
Get Enough Physical Exercise
A lot of older adults do not get enough exercise, but staying active is actually one of the most effective ways to improve mental health and keep anxiety at bay. Depending on their fitness levels, there is a range of different activities that they can take part in. This includes hiking, walking, dancing, swimming, bodyweight exercises, yoga and so much more. They can also look online for videos and resources to follow.
Getting Proper Nutrition
Eating healthily is crucial for the wellbeing of both physical and mental health. Food is fuel for the brain, so it is important to get the right mix of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and more. It also helps to steer clear of foods that are linked to anxiety, including stimulants like nicotine or caffeine. These substances can cause one to feel jittery and nervous, so it is best to avoid such substances altogether in order to stay healthy.
Conservatory At Alden Bridge Prioritizes Seniors’ Health
If you are someone who is suffering from anxiety, or if you live with an elderly who seems to always be anxious, you can consider a senior living community. Conservatory At Alden Bridge prioritizes both the physical and mental health of our residents, and we do everything we can to ensure that our residents stay in the pink of health. Feel free to contact us to find out more!
