Is It Normal to Have Anxiety When You Get Older?

In many ways, stress is a part of life for all of us. But for seniors, stress can have a larger affect on physical and mental wellness.Having worries and concerns is natural, but it is more important as we get older to practice stress-reduction techniques to manage these thoughts.The great news is that stress, and the techniques to manage it, are usually easy for most people to practice. Meditation, breathing exercises, physical movement and other tactics can help seniors continue to live the best quality of life and can even improve overall wellness.Stress destroys cells in the hippocampus, a brain site responsible for memory storage and retrieval.Why is it critical to manage stress?As we continue to keep our homes and families safe during COVID-19, its even more important to focus on the mental health needs of our seniors when it comes to stress.Several studies have shown that stress is linked to mental and physical problems, from anxiety and depression to hypertension and immune system complications. In fact, its estimated that stress increases the risk of heart disease by 40%, heart attack by 25%, and stroke by 50%. Not to mention the fact that stress can also exacerbate existing conditions which can be very impactful for those with less efficient immune systems.What can seniors do to manage their stress in a positive way?Finding moments of joy and focusing on activities and hobbies that bring meaning and purpose can help seniors manage their stress. Fortunately, there are many more stress relief techniques that seniors can follow to help improve their own personal wellbeing. What senior clients use to manage their stress today can help better prepare them for any future stress.Stress Relief TechniquesConnection can help relieve stress. Seniors can call a friend or family member, have a video chat or spend time with loved ones when possible.Meditate at the same time every day or whenever feelings of stress or anxiety arisePractice deep breathing and mindfulness exercisesReach out to friends and family to connect and spend time togetherFollow a consistent exercise regimen and healthy diet, upon physician approvalJournal or jot down thoughts and feelings at the end of each day and be sure to take a moment to reflect on all the positive things that happened throughout the dayFind a virtual volunteer opportunity to give back to the communityPut together and execute a to-do list to increase productivity, decrease feelings of restlessness, and combat procrastinationJoin a yoga class or practice it at home (with physician approval)Listen to soothing or relaxing music, especially before bedFind a way to laugh, whether its by watching a funny TV show/movie or listening to a comedy albumComfort Keepers Can HelpAt Comfort Keepers, we have spent the last twenty years perfecting the art of helping seniors and other adults maintain their peace, happiness, and joy. To us, every moment in a seniors life is a unique opportunity to foster positivity, going beyond daily tasks. Our approach to care is called Interactive Caregiving, a philosophy centered around four central aspects of life: mind, body, nutrition, and safety.Whats more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our clients exact needs.Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting a local Comfort Keepers office.

If remaining independent as you age is a goal, or you have a loved one who wants to continue living independently, there are several essential skills to consider. From managing money to doing your own laundry, activities of daily living (ADLs) matter when determining if it is safe to live on your own as an older adult. In 2020, approximately 14.7 million older adults lived alone, or 28% of the population; many of them were lonely or in poor health. While it is not always easy to control those factors, there are things you can do to help age better and more comfortably. By being prepared, you will reduce some of your health risks and may be able to stay independent and content with life well into your later years. Here are nine critical, independent living skills you will need and valuable information on when assisted living or a similar care option may be a better choice. Money Management  One of the most important independent living skills is money management. Anyone, from young adults to seniors, who want to live independently should be able to manage their funds. This can include the ability to pay bills, go grocery shopping, and handle personal care purchases regularly. Nutrition and Cooking  Many seniors who struggle to live independently do not eat well, which can lead to increased health problems and medical care costs. With the right preparation, you can have the knowledge and ability to prepare healthier meals.Fitness and Movement Ability  Staying active is another essential independent living skill. Staying active, whether or not you have disabilities to work around, is vital and can reduce your risk of injury. Strength training and movement practice, such as yoga, will help maintain strength, keeping you from losing balance and falling. Willingness and Ability to Adapt  Families need to help aging members where possible, but not everyone has family nearby to teach them about technology updates or other helpful improvements. Being willing to adapt and learn will help with any new transitions that occur in the future.  For example, you may want a part-time job or return to school to keep your mind sharp and stay active and engaged in your community. Effective Communication  Communicating effectively is vital in every stage of life, and as a senior, you need to not be afraid to speak up for yourself. Whether you need help with your budget, have a problem with your teeth, or recognize that you are having trouble doing something you used to do easily, you must be able to communicate well so others can help you when you need it.  Self-Advocacy for Security  Along with good general communication, its valuable for you to be your own advocate. You know your body best, so work with your doctor if you notice a change and take advantage of any resources offered to you. When you prepare for aging and focus on the transition, you can often develop independent living skills more quickly.  Stress Management and Regulation  Controlling stress is a valuable skill at any age because stress can hurt your health. Older adults who struggle the most with independent living tend not to have ways of regulating their stress and emotions. If you have a job you like, hobbies to enjoy, or other ways to keep stress at bay, it will go a long way to keep you happy and healthy.   Self-Esteem or Contentment  Feeling content in life or comfortable with yourself matters, too, because independent living requires good mental health. If you are anxious or depressed, it can be a lot harder to get through the day all by yourself. Personal care may suffer, tasks will not get done, and your budget could suffer, too.   Transportation Skills  Whether you drive a car or use public transportation, the goal is to ensure you have access to the people and services you need to get around. If you start to notice differences in your vision and cannot drive anymore, for example, you want to make sure you have other people or agencies you can contact to help you get around. Top 3 Reasons to Consider Caregivers or Assisted Living If you or a loved one lacks the independent living skills needed to age-in-place, or remain safely and independently at home, it may be time to consider help. This could include ongoing assistance with specific tasks, options to manage medical care, and even help with laundry, hygiene, or picking out and putting on clothes. When older adults struggle with food, basic activities of daily living, or other issues, it is essential to identify the problem and find the right ways to treat it. Whether that is someone who comes into your home and provides in-home care or you are considering a move to an assisted living community, making the right choice can improve your quality of life. Here are three reasons to consider an alternate option to independent living: Falling or Frequent Injuries  Falling can cause significant injuries, and that is especially true in seniors. If you are starting to fall frequently or have other injuries that happen often, it may be time to find additional help and someone who can perform various tasks, such as making meals and keeping your home clean. Falls and injuries could also mean the need to transition to assisted living, so you do not have to worry about taking care of your house.   Challenges With Hygiene, Food, and Care  Eating, showering, and cleaning are essential ADLs, and when you start facing many difficulties in one or more of these areas, it is time for some help. Fortunately, there are resources for older adults who may need a service to come in, so you are getting healthy food and staying clean.  Memory or Financial Concerns  If you begin having trouble remembering things and struggling to manage bills, it may be time to reach out for support. Many seniors are also vulnerable to financial scams, which can cause serious problems for future security. Its not always easy to see your needs in these areasor admit the needbut assessing your life routinely and looking for areas that might put you at risk is essential.  The Support You Need for Living Independently If you or a loved one wants to continue living independently but may need a little extra help, CarePatrol offers senior care advisory services at no cost to you.  We provide senior care solutions to help you find the right community from the option to maintain independent living to the need for additional services at home or in a care community, were here to give you the information and support you need. Reach out to a local senior care advisor today. 

This May, join the Seniors Helping Seniors team in recognizing Older Americans Month. To celebrate, we want to share expert advice and tips to help seniors age healthily and happily at home. This article suggests simple lifestyle adjustments that make home life better for seniors.Many older adults want to maintain independence in a familiar environment. Feeling comfortable and supported makes a huge difference. Thats why the Seniors Helping Seniors family made this guide. Our simple tips can help seniors, and their loved ones have a healthy and happy time at home as they grow older.Read on for our easy-to-follow tips on living your best life at home during Older Americans Month and beyond.What is Older Americans Month?Older Americans Month is celebrated every May to appreciate the wonderful contributions and achievements of older Americans. This heartfelt observance, led by the Administration for Community Living, invites us to reflect on the challenges faced by seniors and ways we can promote their healthy aging.The theme for this years celebration is Powered by Connection. It focuses on the vital role of meaningful relationships in ones well-being. The Seniors Helping Seniors mission revolves around this concept. Keeping in touch with loved ones can become difficult as we age due to changes in our routines, health, or living arrangements. But staying social is key to living a happy, fulfilling life! Thats where having an in-home senior caregiver comes in. They can make a big difference in your overall well-being and help connect you with the people you care about.Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers, who are seniors themselves, become close friends with their clients. This companionship brings so much joy and comfort to our seniors, and it leads to even better care. For seniors who want to remain at home in their golden years, our caregivers provide reliable support and a caring hand whenever theyre needed. With a compassionate caregiver, older adults can age in place with confidence.Benefits of Remaining at HomeWhen it comes to deciding where to live as you get older, there are a variety of options available. While nursing homes or assisted living facilities may suit some, others may prefer to stay in their homes or communities for as long as possible. This concept of aging in place empowers seniors to maintain a sense of independence and comfort in a familiar setting. Creating an environment that caters to physical, emotional, and social needs is essential to make this happen with in-home care resources to assist you along the way.Tips For Aging in PlacePrioritize Home Safety:Assess your living environment for any potential safety hazards and make the necessary changes, like adding grab bars, removing tripping hazards, and ensuring that you have proper lighting. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home caregivers are amazing helpers who can make your home safer. Lean on them so you can relax and enjoy your time at home without worrying about any safety concerns.Improve Accessibility: Adjust furniture placement or install ramps to make the home more accessible. Your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can provide mobility aids and support to help you or your loved one maneuver their home more efficiently.Simplify Your To-Do List: Call in for extra support if household chores are piling up. Our Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers can lend a hand with light cleaning, home maintenance, and repairs so you can have a cozy and safe living space.Get On-the-Go Assistance: An in-home senior caregiver can offer rides to appointments, run errands, or socialize. Your caregiver would happily arrange transportation services or accompany them on these outings.Stay Connected: Make sure to participate in social activities. A Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can join you and accompany you to community events or help you connect with others virtually. Having a reliable friend can help combat loneliness and improve overall well-being.The Seniors Helping Seniors DifferenceSeniors Helping Seniors in-home senior care services can make a significant difference in the lives of older adults. By providing support that focuses on safety, accessibility, simplified tasks, on-the-go assistance, and social connections, seniors can truly thrive in their own homes. With the help of Seniors Helping Seniorss kind and compassionate caregivers, aging in place becomes not just manageable but enjoyable. As we celebrate Older Americans Month, lets prioritize the well-being and happiness of our seniors and ensure they age with comfort, independence, and a strong sense of community.