5 Tips for Reducing Stress in Seniors
Managing mental and physical health is important at any age, but it’s even more crucial as one age. This makes stress management among seniors a priority as this is what determines whether they will lead a happy and healthy life.
As they get older, seniors are faced with challenges like losing loved ones, chronic disorders, and retirement which increase their stress levels. Chronic stress can increase their risk of mental illnesses like depression, metabolic diseases like diabetes, and cardiovascular dysfunctions, among various others.
Fortunately, there are ways to help seniors effectively overcome stress. Here are some tips compiled by the experts at our Niagara Falls retirement residence to empower an ageing loved one to live the life they want without needless distress.
Expert Tips to Help Seniors Overcome Stress
Looking for ways to help an aging loved one manage stress? Read this blog by caregivers at our Niagara Falls retirement home to improve overall wellness.
1. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness teaches seniors to become more aware of their surroundings and live in the present while quieting their busy minds. This allows them to become less caught up with past events and reduce worries surrounding their future. It allows them to enjoy the present while accepting and acknowledging their thoughts and feelings.
2. Listen to Calming Music
Whether your ageing loved one is living at home or in a retirement residence, encourage them to play calming music to create a stress-free ambience. They can choose from a wide range of nature-inspired music or piano tunes. This can have a relaxing effect on both their bodies and minds by slowing their heart rate and lowering blood pressure, both of which are beneficial in reducing stress.
And the best part is they can listen to music throughout the day, regardless of what activity they might be taking part in. It will help them complete their tasks quicker while ensuring they don’t think about the things that may be stressing them out.
3. Exercise Regularly
Exercise offers numerous benefits such as improving muscle mass, lung capacity, and overall cardiovascular health. It also has a distinct impact on brain health. And since this is where most stress originates, it can have a positive impact on reducing stress levels among seniors.
This is possible as regular physical activity releases endorphins that calm the mind and boost overall mood. Their best bet is aiming to elevate their heart rate for at least 30 minutes a day. If you’re a family member or primary caregiver, encourage them to find an activity they enjoy, whether it’s swimming, walking, riding a bike, or taking a class with others.
If your aging loved one lives in an independent living facility or retirement home, many allow seniors to take part in light to moderate physical activities such as gardening, golf, or yoga classes. These keep them occupied and distracted while helping ease their stress.
4. Consider Living in a Retirement Home
The emotional, mental, and physical advantages of being socially engaged during your senior years are huge, and these extend to helping reduce stress. When a senior is socially active, they have a reduced risk of feeling lonely and isolated, which is a major source of stress.
When living in a retirement community, it is easy for your loved one to find and connect with like-minded individuals that they can interact with regularly. Furthermore, they will be part of a neighbourhood that offers opportunities for social activities and conversations. This is a great way to keep them from over-thinking things that may be causing them stress, which leads to even more stress.
5. Solve Cognitive Puzzles
By solving crossword puzzles or Sudoku, or playing other thinking games, your loved one will have some mental stimulation. Most of these games require concentration which provides useful distraction to those feeling stressed out.
The symptoms of stress can vary from person to person. By recognizing the triggers, you can help your aging family member manage their stress levels before they take a turn for the worse. Hopefully, these wellness activities complied by our retirement home experts can help your loved one lead a stress-free life, whether they live at home or in a retirement community.