Aged people have to deal with a lot of life’s stressors, but anxiety is one that gets overlooked and goes unnoticed. Many senior citizens have anxieties about the future, being alone, or just the fact that everyone around them are starting to die. This article will go over some ways on how to deal with anxiety in seniors.
1. Exercise
The feeling of being trapped can make people feel anxious, so the best thing to do is to get out of that place and go for a walk. Exercising also releases endorphins and stress, two things that make anxiety worse. When walking, seniors should be sure to walk at least 3-4 times a week for 30-40 minutes. It also helps to go for a jog or brisk walk around the neighborhood every morning.
2. Live in the Present
Negative thoughts are easy to catch, but it is important that seniors separate their problems from reality.
If an older person is anxious about tomorrow, they should picture a thought bubble floating above their head that shows what happened yesterday and today but nothing else. This will give them a sense of relief when they realize that the majority of their worries are in the past.
3. Meditate
The feeling of being anxious can be overwhelming, so it is imperative that seniors learn how to relax. Deep breathing and meditation are effective ways to reduce anxiety because they help people to focus on the present and clear their minds. Seniors should do this while sitting straight up, with both feet planted firmly on the floor.
When emotional anxiety begins to affect your daily routine, it can be difficult to imagine a possible reason. When an older person is having trouble dealing with stressors, there are many possible sources of stress that have nothing to do with aging. However, when one does start feeling anxious about their future or the passing of friends and family members, then it is a good idea for seniors to seek out ways on how to deal with anxiety in seniors.