As people age, they experience a lot of changes. Their bodies change, their minds change, and their social lives change. It’s no wonder that so many seniors suffer from anxiety. In fact, anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health problems affecting older adults.
Even though anxiety in seniors is common, there are ways to help manage it. Additionally, finding the right senior living community can help reduce stress and ease daily responsibilities. Buckner Villas is a comfortable, Tuscan-style retirement community in Austin, Texas. Our caring team provides premier service for our residents as they focus on their health and wellness. Call 512.580.9882 or contact us online to find out more about how we manage anxiety in seniors that live in our community.
The Link Between Anxiety and Seniors
Many different factors can contribute to anxiety in seniors. For one thing, age-related changes in the brain can make people more prone to anxiety. Additionally, seniors are more likely to experience stressful life events such as the death of a loved one or retirement. These stressors can trigger or worsen existing anxiety disorders. Additionally, some medications commonly prescribed to seniors can cause or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Are Anxiety Disorders in Seniors Common?
Yes, anxiety disorders are surprisingly common in seniors. In fact, around 20% of adults aged 55 and over suffer from an anxiety disorder. That means that one in five seniors has an anxiety disorder. Given the high prevalence of anxiety disorders in this population, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these conditions. Additionally, it’s important to know how to manage anxiety disorders effectively.
5 Ways to Manage Anxiety in Seniors
There are many different ways that seniors can manage their anxiety disorders. Some helpful coping mechanisms include:
1. Exercising Regularly
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve mental health. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day can help reduce anxiety symptoms significantly.
2. Practicing Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation can help ease anxious thoughts and improve mood.
3. Avoiding Caffeine
Although it may seem counterintuitive, avoiding caffeine can actually help reduce anxiety levels. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase heart rate and make anxious thoughts feel more overwhelming.
4. Talking to a Therapist
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. A therapist can help you identify negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies for dealing with anxious thoughts.
5. Join a Support Group
Support groups provide a great opportunity for socializing and connecting with others who understand what you’re going through. Additionally, they can provide helpful information about dealing with anxiety disorders.
Find Comfort and Care at Buckner Villas
Buckner Villas offers premier memory care, assisted living, and long-term skilled nursing services to seniors in Austin, Texas. Our caring team provides personalized service for each of our residents and focuses on their health and wellness. We offer a variety of services and amenities to meet the needs of our residents, including:
- Memory care – Our memory care program is specially designed to meet the needs of seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Our staff is trained in dementia care and provides personalized assistance and support 24 hours a day.
- Assisted living – Our assisted living program offers residents independence and flexibility while providing assistance with activities of daily living. We offer a variety of supportive services and amenities, including medication management, personal care, and transportation.
- Long-term skilled nursing – Our long-term skilled nursing program provides around-the-clock care for seniors who require specialized medical attention. We offer a variety of services and amenities, including IV therapy, wound care, and hospice services.
All of our services are designed to provide seniors with comfort, care, and peace of mind. For more information about how we can help seniors with anxiety, please call 512.580.9882 or contact us online today.