As people age, stress can become more difficult to manage, which may be the result of preexisting medical conditions, cognitive decline, or medication side effects. Fortunately, there are things your senior loved one can do to better manage his or her stress levels.
1. Socialize Regularly
Aging adults may be at risk for social isolation, which can increase stress levels, cause loneliness, exacerbate anxiety, and raise the risk of depression. Social isolation can be related to the loss of a marital partner or friends or the inability to go out because of limited mobility or another health issue.
To reduce your loved one’s stress, take him or her on outings. Whether you take your loved one to a shopping mall, grocery store, or park or to visit family and friends, being with people in environments outside the home may brighten his or her mood. Socialization has a beneficial effect on stress levels and provides something to look forward to.
Older adults who live alone but are socially active can handle stress better. Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust homecare professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she lives with an illness and performs the daily tasks of living.
2. Exercise
Exercise plays a vital role in managing stress during the golden years. Engaging in mild exercise increases mobility, enhances circulation, relieves pain, and promotes the release of anti-stress chemicals known as endorphins. When endorphins are released into the bloodstream, your loved one may be better able to manage stress, sleep, and enjoy a renewed sense of hope about the future.
3. Follow a Healthy Diet
It’s important that seniors maintain healthy diets to better manage their stress levels. Poor dietary intake can lead to nutritional deficiencies that increase the risk of anxiety, depression, heart palpitations, and muscle and joint pain. Seniors need to make sure they receive the recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals to boost immunity, diminish stress levels, and lower the risk of illness.
Stress-related conditions such as depression and anxiety could increase a senior’s risk of dementia. Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Roseville seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.
4. Communicate with the Physician
If your loved one is exhibiting signs and symptoms of increased stress levels, such as changes in sleep or appetite patterns or an increase in agitation, depression, anxiety, or confusion, make an appointment with a physician. The sooner high stress levels are recognized and treated, the sooner your loved one can start enjoying life again. Untreated stress may raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders, and insomnia. In addition to developing an effective treatment plan for stress, the physician will counsel your loved one on ways to manage stress levels.
5. Try Pet Therapy
Spending time with pets can dramatically lower stress levels in seniors. Holding and petting animals has been shown to lower blood pressure, diminish the perception of pain, reduce anxiety, and promote feelings of wellbeing. If your loved one is physically and mentally able to care for a pet, suggest getting a small dog or cat. However, if your loved one is unable to care for an animal, take him or her to a petting zoo or animal shelter to spend time with the animals.
Whether seniors need assistance with exercise or companions to socialize with regularly, professional home care is the ideal solution for those who have difficulty managing stress. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide elder care, Roseville, CA, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at (916) 226-3737.