April is Stress Awareness Month, a great time for seniors and their families to evaluate what may be causing them stress. Seniors often experience a lot of stress caused by feeling isolated, vulnerable, and lonely. They also can feel stress from the medical conditions that they have, living alone, and feeling a general sense of loss of purpose after they retire. Seniors who have lost a spouse or good friends also have the added stresses associate with grief.
Stress is a significant health risk for seniors. It raises the chances that a senior could have a heart attack or a stroke. And living with a lot of stress can cause an increase in blood pressure, make it hard for seniors with diabetes to stabilize their blood sugar, and cause insomnia or sleeping disturbances. During April and all throughout the year seniors can use these tips to help manage stress and avoid health complications related to stress:
Take A Walk
Walking is good for a senior’s physical health and their mental health. Getting outside and taking a walk gives seniors that chance to spend time in nature and the physical activity can help reduce stress. Often seniors find that just a short walk in nature can significantly help lower their stress. Home care assistance can help seniors who don’t drive get to a park or a nature area so that they can walk on easy trails in nature and get the psychological benefits that come from being in green space surrounded by trees and fresh air.
Keep A Journal
Keeping a journal is a great way for seniors to manage their mental health. Seniors can write out their worries, anxieties, frustrations, and sadness to help get rid of stress. There are many books and websites that offer free journal prompts seniors can use if they want to try keeping a journal but aren’t sure what to write about. Journaling can be a big help for seniors that don’t want to seek therapy or talk to anyone about their stresses.
Join A Support Group
Seniors may find that a support group made up of other seniors can help them get rid of stress. Talking to other seniors that experiencing the same things they are going through can help seniors feel less isolated and lonely. They can also learn from the tips that others are using to how to manage their feelings and lower stress. Seniors who have home care assistance can get rides to and from local support groups if they don’t drive. Or, a home care provider can help seniors use the compute or tablet to join online group meeting using Zoom or other video chats.
Stay Connected To Family
Seniors should also stay as connected to family as they can. If your senior parent doesn’t call you often make it a point to call them. They may be waiting for you to be the one to call and ask how they are doing, but they are relying on your calls more than you know.
If You Or An Aging Loved One is Considering Home Care Assistance in Longmont, CO, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 720-780-7755.
