Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are common among the elderly, especially those who live in long-term care facilities. A recent study found that between 25% to 80% of elderly people living in nursing homes suffer from one or more mental illnesses. In at least half of the cases, these illnesses are also accompanied by a physical disorder.
In many cases, this mental illness is due to increased stress in their environment. They lack the freedom and control that they experience when they were still living in their own home or with family members. Other factors that contribute to mental stress include the loss of a loved one, physical pain and discomfort, loneliness, boredom, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise. Sometimes these conditions can lead to anxiety attacks in the elderly.
4 Ways to Relieve Anxiety in Seniors
Here are some helpful tips to eliminate anxiety in the elderly:
Use the Right Supplement
Your doctor might recommend an anti-anxiety medication for you. You could also choose to take supplements that are known for having a calming effect on the body instead. Chamomile is one of these herbs, and it has been used since ancient times as a natural remedy for stress. Other good options are CBD oil and kava. Before using CBD oil, however, you should first consult your doctor. This is especially important if you are taking other medications or supplements on a daily basis. Similarly, Kava on the other hand is not recommended for people who have liver problems because it might worsen their condition.
Exercise Regularly
Study after study has shown that regular exercise can do wonders to improve a person’s mental health. That’s why experts recommend that everyone—not just the elderly—should get at least 20 minutes of exercise a day. Some types of exercise are particularly effective in relieving stress, such as yoga and meditation. These forms of exercise put the body in a calm state while increasing muscle strength and flexibility at the same time.
Stay Social and Keep Busy
People who stay social and keep busy are less likely to be stressed out. For the elderly, staying active can help improve their mood as well as lower their anxiety levels. It is particularly important for those with dementia to stay engaged in activities such as playing board games or doing art projects with other people. This not only fights boredom but also helps them cope with the loss of memory abilities.
Eat Right to Boost Mood and More
Proper nutrition is essential for everyone, including the elderly who are particularly sensitive to changes in appetite. Seniors must have three meals a day that contains all the necessary nutrients for their bodies. This can be difficult if they are taking medications that affect their appetite. When this happens, the first thing to do is talk with your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives that won’t interfere with any medications you’re taking.
Make sure that you eat healthy food at mealtimes—and don’t forget to bake a fresh treat for your loved ones even if they are not suffering from anxiety.
Conclusion
Anxiety is a common mental health issue for people of all ages, but it can be especially difficult to manage among the elderly. Because they are more sensitive to changes in their body and environment, anxiety can make them feel even more isolated and lonely. This is why it’s important for family members to look out for symptoms of anxiety—such as mood swings, fatigue, and memory problems—and act on them before it gets worse.
By following the four tips outlined above, you can help improve your loved one’s state of mind. As extra reassurance, remind yourself that anxiety in the elderly is treatable so there’s no reason to worry just yet.