It is normal for people to feel anxious in reaction to situations that cause fear or stress. However, if seniors feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety that affects their daily lives and relationships with their loved ones, they may be affected by anxiety disorder.

While anxiety is not considered a normal part of aging, anxiety disorder is common among seniors as it is believed to affect 10-20 percent of older adults. The most common type of anxiety that affects older adults is phobia, which is the fear of a specific thing, place, or event. Unfortunately, anxiety often goes undiagnosed or untreated as seniors may not recognize that they are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or may be reluctant to talk to a doctor about their anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety may also be dismissed by seniors and their doctors and be attributed to medication side effects, medical conditions, or stressful situations such as the loss of their spouse.

If your senior loved ones struggle with anxiety, it is important for them to receive treatment. Anxiety can impact their quality of life and lead to poor physical and cognitive health if left untreated. Seniors affected can receive treatment in the form of therapy and prescription drugs. It is also possible for family members and caregivers to help seniors reduce their feelings of anxiety.

What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Persistent feelings of anxiety and nervousness that interfere with a senior’s daily life may indicate an anxiety disorder. Older adults with anxiety often experience mood swings, excessive worry, or even debilitating fear. In fact, anxiety is more common among seniors than cognitive decline or depression.

The symptoms of anxiety can vary depending on the type but often include panic attacks, shakiness, dizziness, shortness of breath, or a racing heart. Physical symptoms such as digestive issues, headaches, vision problems, muscle tension, and fatigue are also common.

Seniors struggling with anxiety may avoid situations, people, or thoughts that trigger their symptoms. In severe cases, they may isolate themselves, become homebound, or refuse to leave their homes. Changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, and obsessive thoughts or behaviors may also be signs of anxiety in older adults.

What Types of Anxieties Can Affect Seniors?

It is possible for seniors to be affected by any of the following anxiety disorders:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Seniors with general anxiety disorder experience racing thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, and persistent worry over health issues, money problems, and issues with family and friends. Those affected may have trouble sleeping and concentrating and may experience muscle aches, irritability, nausea, and fatigue.
• Phobias: A phobia is an intense fear of something, typically a place, thing, or event, and the fear is usually irrational as the subject of the phobia is often non-threatening. It is common for seniors to have phobias regarding health issues, medical procedures, death, and natural disasters, and many also experience social phobia which causes them to feel anxious and self-conscious in social settings. Seniors who think about or confront their phobias may experience panic attacks.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a condition that occurs after someone has experienced a traumatic event. Those affected may not experience the symptoms of PTSD until years after the event as something may trigger these feelings later in life. Symptoms include being easily startled, becoming emotionally numb to those around them, and losing interest in things they once enjoyed. They may also become irritable, aggressive, or violent and experience flashbacks to the traumatic event.
• Obsess-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD is less common among older adults, but some are affected to the point that it impacts their daily lives. Those with OCD experience fear and upsetting thoughts and exhibit behaviors such as certain rituals and an obsession for order in their surrounding environment.
• Panic disorder: Seniors affected by panic disorder experience panic attacks caused by sudden fear. Panic attacks cause increased heart rate, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and chest pain. Seniors who experience panic attacks may believe that they are having a heart attack or stroke, and they typically do not like to be left alone.

How Can Anxiety in Seniors be Treated?

Anxiety in seniors commonly goes untreated as seniors may not understand that they are affected by anxiety disorders or feel too ashamed to seek treatment. If you notice that your senior loved ones appear to be struggling with anxiety, encourage them to talk to a doctor about how they feel. Medical professionals can help treat anxiety disorders with the following:

• Therapy: One-on-one therapy benefits those affected by anxiety as they can talk though their feelings and get to the root of their anxiety. The most common types of therapy for those with anxiety include exposure therapy in which those affected confront their fears in order to lessen their impact, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in which anxiety provoking thoughts are identified and the therapist works with the patient to change these thoughts.
• Medication: There are a number of medications that can be prescribed to those with anxiety disorders that help alleviate feelings of panic or nervousness and allow those affected to live a more normal life.

Depending on the nature of each case, seniors with anxiety may be treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

How Can Caregivers Help Reduce Anxiety in Seniors?

Alongside professional support, family members and caregivers play a vital role in helping seniors manage anxiety. Open conversations about their emotions, combined with encouragement to embrace healthier habits and routines, can make a meaningful difference. Here are some effective ways to help alleviate anxiety in your senior loved ones:

Understand the Disorder

The first step to helping seniors manage anxiety is understanding the disorder. Talk to your loved ones to help them identify anxiety triggers and develop effective coping strategies. This approach empowers older adults to recognize moments of unease and regain a sense of control.

Talk About It

Seniors can ease their anxiety by opening up about their feelings and thoughts. They may choose to confide in trusted family members or seek support from professional caregivers. Additionally, joining support groups, either online or in person, offers a safe space to share and connect. Spiritual leaders can also lend a compassionate ear and guidance.

Rely on Your Social Network

A strong social network is essential for seniors. Family, friends, neighbors, and professional caregivers can provide invaluable support, especially during moments when seniors feel overwhelmed. These trusted individuals not only offer assistance but can also help seniors recognize sources of stress and guide them away from triggering situations, fostering a sense of security and well-being.

Manage Stress

Using stress management techniques can help seniors reduce anxiety and feel more at ease. The following stress management techniques can help your senior loved ones reduce stress:

• Meditation: Mindful meditation can help ground seniors and be more present in the moment which can alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.
• Deep breathing: Taking deep breaths can calm seniors and help them feel at ease.
• Relaxation techniques: Other relaxation techniques that can help ease anxiety include taking warm baths and listening to calming music.

Encourage Physical Activity

Engaging in physical activity can help seniors reduce feelings of anxiety and improve their overall health. Encourage your loved ones to engage in physical activities such as taking walks or join a senior swimming or yoga class. Physical activity not only helps relieve anxiety but also helps improve mood and cognitive function and contribute to physical health.

Avoid Stimulants

Seniors experiencing anxiety are encouraged to limit their intake of stimulants, as these substances can worsen symptoms. Common stimulants include caffeinated teas and coffees, tobacco, alcohol, certain herbal supplements, and some over-the-counter cold medications. Reducing or avoiding these can help promote a calmer, more balanced state of mind.

Live a Balanced Lifestyle

Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is essential for seniors to manage stress and reduce anxiety. A nutritious diet and regular physical activity play key roles in supporting overall well-being. Equally important is quality sleep—seniors should aim for 7 to 9 hours per night, as insufficient rest can heighten anxiety the next day.

Engaging in hobbies and social activities is another vital aspect of a balanced life, as both are effective in alleviating stress and promoting emotional health. Seniors are encouraged to connect with their community by joining local senior centers, which offer opportunities for social interaction and enrichment. For those who are homebound, professional caregivers can provide valuable companionship and assist with transportation to social events, ensuring seniors stay connected and engaged.

Senior Home Care from Assisting Hands

If the adjustments mentioned above fail to ease anxiety, seniors are encouraged to consult their physician. A doctor can accurately diagnose an anxiety disorder and create a tailored treatment plan. This may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both to effectively manage symptoms.

Seniors living with anxiety don’t have to accept it as an inevitable part of life. Modern treatment is both safe and highly effective, empowering older adults to lead happy, fulfilling, and productive lives. It’s important to remember that persistent worry and anxiety are not a normal part of the aging process.

Seniors experiencing severe anxiety often need additional support to cope. If your elderly loved one could benefit from extra care at home to manage anxiety, the companion care services offered by Assisting Hands Home Care can be a lifeline, helping them regain a sense of normalcy and comfort.

Our non-medical home care services are thoughtfully designed to support seniors of all abilities. With the help of our professional caregivers, seniors receive assistance with daily activities, enabling them to live safely and independently in the familiarity of their own homes.

At Assisting Hands Home Care, our companion care services go beyond basic support by fostering meaningful connections. We help seniors avoid loneliness and isolation through engaging conversations, recreational activities, safe outings, and even simple joys like assembling puzzles or playing card games. Our goal is to enrich their lives and ensure they feel cared for every step of the way.

Feeling supported at home can help relieve feelings of anxiety for seniors. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we provide quality home care services in Medinah, Glendale Heights, Itasca, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Villa Park, Addison, Lombard, IL and the surrounding areas. Our licensed, bonded, and insured caregivers will promote the emotional and physical well-being of your elderly loved one. Call (630) 526-6522 today for an in-home consultation.