Do you know that one of the most common mental health conditions faced by older adults is anxiety? Anxiety can be described as feelings of anxiousness and fear, and symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, increased heart rate, and feeling constantly tired. While anxiety can be considered normal as it is our body’s natural reaction to overwhelming situations, people who suffer from severe anxiety disorders can experience hardships in their everyday lives due to their condition. As such, if you notice your loved ones facing these symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to be a source of support and provide companionship whenever they require it. To know more about the ways to treat anxiety in the elderly, continue reading.
Have a Support Group
This applies not just to the elderly, but everyone as well. All of us can greatly benefit from having a trustworthy support group who we can count on during tough times. This is why we highly encourage residents to partake in our activities and events as they provide an opportunity for the elderly to mingle around and form new friendships. Anxiety in the elderly are typically caused by a loss of their significant other or an increasingly smaller circle of friends. Therefore, making meaningful connections allows for greater companionship, comfort, and pleasant socialization. All these enable them to feel supported while they’re facing troubles and know that their feelings are validated.
Participate in Calming Exercises
The elderly who suffer from anxiety can attempt to calm themselves through a number of relaxing and therapeutic activities. Exercises such as tai chi, yoga, and even a simple breathing exercise can help the body to lose its tension and allow for greater concentration. If your loved ones are feeling overwhelmed, they can head to a quieter place and perform these exercises in private, which will loosen their anxiety over time. While these exercises can be done anytime and anywhere, especially in their apartments, we do offer these activities here at Discovery Village At The West End. As such, do take a proactive approach to encourage your loved ones to join in and take part.
Create a Standard and Familiar Routine
If there’s one thing that people with anxiety despises and fears, it will be unfamiliarity. While something new can seem exciting to other people, the elderly may not feel the same way. In order to lessen the stress, they can be more comfortable with a predictable routine each day. Take a day to sit down with them and discuss what a morning or evening routine should look like, before jotting it down on a planner or calendar. This allows them to feel more in control of their life and eliminates any negative feelings that come with being surprised. What’s great about Discovery Village At The West End is that we provide a daily schedule a month in advance, so you and your loved ones have a clearer idea of what to expect.
