According to F1000Research, about 15% of the global elderly population is suffering from mental disorders. Stress affects as much as 55% of the elderly population, exacerbating symptoms. Neglecting daily senior stress management can affect your mental and physical health.
What exactly is the connection between stress and aging, and how can you take control? Read on to learn more about aging and mental health before making a change for the better!
According to the American Institute of Stress, inflammation and stress are closely related. Stress can affect the body's ability to respond to certain kinds of inflammation. Chronic inflammation can increase your risk of age-related conditions like:
Stress may cause oxidative stress and cellular damage, which may accelerate the aging process. Stress triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can damage proteins, cells, and DNA, causing premature aging.
Stress may accelerate telomeres shortening. Telomeres protect the ends of DNA chromosomes. Shortening can cause cells to age and malfunction.
In addition to this connection between stress and aging, lifestyle and environmental factors can further contribute to your stress. Common stress triggers include:
Recognizing what's triggering your stress can help you make informed changes to your lifestyle and routine. For example, perhaps you've recently lost your partner and are living alone.
Consider moving into a Vista, CA, senior living community like Arcadia Place. You can engage with other seniors, reducing feelings of stress and loneliness. Otherwise, social isolation may exacerbate your symptoms.
Common symptoms of chronic stress include:
If you experience these symptoms, reach out for help. Consult a medical professional or explore services through your Vista senior living community. Seeking immediate help could reduce your risk of serious stress-related health issues.
Here are a few ways chronic stress can affect your health.
Stress triggers the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. It helps the body respond to potential threats. In older adults, this hormone is stronger and can take longer to return to normal levels.
Excess cortisol can cause inflammation, increasing your risk of dementia and other stress-related health issues.
Stress may reduce your immune system's functionality, leaving you susceptible to illness or disease. Seniors are already more susceptible due to age-related immune system suppression. This could increase your risk of getting sick and make it more difficult for you to recover.
Stress floods the body with adrenaline, which can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Cellular metabolism increases, boosting energy production.
The resulting blood pressure spike distributes energy to where it's needed. Your blood vessels will constrict, further increasing your blood pressure. This process can become hazardous for seniors.
As you age, it can take longer for your body's core temperature to return to normal. Your blood vessels may become stiffer, impeding blood flow, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
Prioritizing senior stress management may prove crucial to your mental and physical health. Here are a few tips for coping with stress in older adults.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can strengthen your immune system. It may help combat inflammation when you're feeling stressed.
Eat nutrient-rich foods, including:
Explore your Vista, CA, senior living community's dining program. You can work with professionals to develop a personalized meal plan that suits your preferences.
Relying on these chef-prepared homestyle meals can further ease your stress. You won't have to worry about shopping, meal planning, or cooking. Instead, you can rely on the ease and convenience of restaurant-quality dining complemented by attentive tableside service.
Moving more may:
Exercising can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Instead, it boosts endorphin production, which can improve your mood and relieve stress symptoms.
Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day. You can explore your senior living community's activities calendar for classes. Otherwise, consider:
Look for activities you enjoy. You'll feel more motivated to participate regularly.
Try to get friends and family members involved. Exercising with loved ones can make it more fun while reducing feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Your friends can also hold you accountable to participate regularly.
Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Feeling well-rested can help you better respond to stress during the day.
Changing your sleep environment could help you fall asleep faster. Consider moving into a Vista senior living community. Their comfortable living options can help you get the rest you need.
Relaxation techniques can help change how you respond to stressful situations. These include:
Deep breathing exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This part of your nervous system helps the body calm down.
Mindfulness encourages us to focus on the present. You can identify how you feel without judgment.
Progressive muscle relaxation involves releasing muscle groups. You can identify how your body responds to stress and which areas tense most.
Explore your senior living community's activities calendar for classes. You can try different relaxation techniques to determine which works best for you.
Don't let stress impact your mental and physical health. Instead, recognize the connection between stress and aging to improve your overall well-being.
Remember, moving into a senior living community may help you manage your stress. Consider Arcadia Place, the best senior living community in Vista, CA.
We offer beautiful gardens, engaging lifestyle programs, and comfortable living options. Enjoy our personalized care services to ease your stress and anxiety. Contact us now to schedule a tour.