Anxiety and related disorders are incredibly prevalent struggles at any age. The American Association for Geriatric Psychology (AAGP) states that anxiety affects between 10% and 20% of aging adults. Even for those with long-standing mental health conditions, aging can change or increase those feelings of unrest and stress. For older individuals and their families or caregivers, finding ways to manage anxiety can help increase happiness during the golden years.
Understanding Anxiety in Seniors
Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive feelings of panic and fear. Anxiety in older adults can often go undiagnosed. They may feel shame about their feelings and refuse to seek help. Others may have encountered these challenges throughout their lives and simply choose to live with the symptoms. An untreated anxiety disorder can increase feelings of stress, lower quality of life and decrease physical health. However, there are plenty of ways to help older adults cope with anxiety and mitigate those long-term effects.
What Causes Anxiety in Older Adults?
Anxiety may not always have a specific cause, but aging and its effects can increase stress. Some older adults have experienced a traumatic event, like the death of a loved one or partner. Others may have increased fears about their increased risk of injury, death and dependence on others.
Some additional sources of anxiety for older adults may include:
- Limited mobility
- Medicinal side effects
- Extreme stress or trauma
- Financial stress
- Loss of independence
- Illness or health decline
- Cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s
What Are the Signs of Anxiety in Seniors?
All these symptoms can impact a person’s daily life and their behaviors. Some older people may demonstrate decreased energy, irregular reactions to small triggers and even a refusal to leave the house. Anxiety can look different for each person, but some common symptoms include:
- Panic and fear
- Restlessness
- Memory trouble
- Nightmares
- Irritability
Several physical signs can also appear, such as:
- Headaches
- Racing heart
- Irregular sleep
- Hot flashes
- Digestion problems
- Dizziness
- Frequent urination
Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses, so it’s best to check with your physician to rule out another health condition.
Types of Anxiety and Related Disorders
Anxiety can manifest in a few different forms, and some related disorders can affect older adults.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): The most common type of anxiety in older adults, GAD causes constant feelings of panic and hopelessness. People with this disorder may be unable to stop worrying, and their stress may not have a specific trigger. Physically, these constant thoughts can impact their sleep cycle and cause frequent urination.
- Phobias: This disorder is an irrational fear triggered by a specific thing. Older adults may have triggers like dental or medical procedures, a fear of family disasters or death, and a fear of leaving their home. Encountering these situations can result in increased heart rate and panic attacks.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD manifests as uncontrolled rituals, repeated actions and thought loops. Older individuals may have a specific hand-washing ritual to ensure cleanliness or repeated thoughts about a loved one dying.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD can occur after a traumatic event. Individuals who have experienced intense harm can have repeated flashbacks, irritability and nightmares.
- Depression or seasonal depression: Depression can appear alongside anxiety in older adults. Depression symptoms can overlap with those of anxiety, such as irregular sleep, lack of energy and irritability. Even those who do not have a depression diagnosis may experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the colder months.
Coping Mechanisms for Anxiety in Older Adults
Helping seniors with anxiety often starts with a visit to a primary care physician. Once medical conditions are ruled out, a great place to begin treating anxiety is to create coping mechanisms.
- The 333 rule: In the middle of an anxiety attack, practicing the 333 rule can help ground a person. They will name three things they can see, hear and touch.
- Mindfulness: Anxiety often focuses on worries about the future. Practicing mindfulness can help ground you and your loved one in the present moment. Focus on deep breathing, acknowledge anxious thoughts without fixating on them and try to plant yourself within your body.
- Routines: Setting a practical routine can help mitigate feelings of stress. Making a cup of tea every evening, planning a call to a loved one on Tuesday afternoons or even scheduling a time to go grocery shopping can integrate fun and practical activities into the week.
- Talking to others: Sometimes, just speaking about anxiety can help those feelings dissipate. Speak with your loved ones about your fears. If you are uncomfortable talking to them, an online or in-person support group may be an option.
- Limit news intake: The news can be a source of stress. Try not to play new programs in the background all day, and limit checking online news outlets and social media to a few times daily.
- Spend time with loved ones: Spending time with family and friends can help manage stress. Invite them over for dinner or spend a day doing something you both enjoy.
- Hobbies: Share your favorite craft or learn a new skill! Joining an organization like a crafting club is an excellent way to meet people and spend time with an activity you enjoy.
- Diet changes: Integrating healthier foods in every meal can promote greater physical and mental health. Try to cut back on caffeine, prevent over- and under-eating, and reduce alcohol consumption.
When to Seek Treatment and Professional Help
Professional help may be beneficial for those whose anxiety persists despite coping mechanisms. Some signs to look for are if a person no longer leaves their house, has little to no interest in their typical hobbies, and is overall not like their usual self. Professional help can start at the physician’s office. Again, they can rule out a medical issue that may be causing these effects. They can typically help diagnose an individual with an anxiety disorder and refer them to a professional therapist or counselor.
Therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be very effective at helping older adults cope with anxiety. This type of therapy can help reframe negative thought patterns, build coping mechanisms to deal with panic and engage individuals with what they may be avoiding.
Medication is also an option for anxiety management. A physician or psychiatrist may prescribe an antidepressant or antianxiety medication for emergencies or daily use. Antidepressants typically take four to six weeks to start working, while many antianxiety medications are a fast-acting option. Talk to your primary care doctor about potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
In-Home Care Options
For those seeking a nonmedical option, in-home care can provide personal care and attention to help older adults with anxiety. This type of care occurs in your own home. With many different services, caregivers can help alleviate stress for your loved one by taking on laundry or running errands. They can also act as a companion, providing emotional support and care.
Receive the Support You Need From Village Caregiving
Village Caregiving’s compassionate professionals can provide practical assistance and companionship to you or your loved ones. Our caregivers are dedicated to customized care that meets your family’s needs. We offer support for daily tasks like cooking, cleaning and personal care. Home care is often less expensive than a nursing home and allows you or your loved one to maintain your privacy and independence in your own home.
If in-home care sounds like the right option for you, you can contact us to learn more about how we can assist.
Recent Comments