Sitting on the banks of the Mississippi, Muscatine's parks, shops, and dining options make it a great place to relax and enjoy your golden years. However, for many seniors, stress is a serious problem that can have a big impact on their health. A 2021 survey of older adults found that 44% reported feeling stressed for several days or more in the past two weeks.
April of each year is Stress Awareness Month. Since 1992, this initiative has been helping people understand their stress and find ways to reduce it. This April is a great time to get your stress under control so you can enjoy your golden years!
In this post, we will explore the impact of stress on senior mental health and how stress reduction techniques can help you relax and enjoy life with reduced anxiety.
Stress Awareness Month is a great time to stop and think about what causes stress in your life. Once you identify the causes of stress, you can look at ways to reduce and, in some cases, eliminate it.
Our senior years bring some of life's biggest changes. For example, when we retire, we lose the structure of going to work each day. We may also miss the interaction we used to get with other people.
At first, moving into an assisted living community could be a little stressful. However, once you get to know the environment and other residents, this will subside. And as we'll see, senior living communities reduce many other stressors that affect Muscatine seniors.
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, 34% of adults aged 50-80 reported feeling isolated at least some of the time in the last year.
Some reasons include:
Loneliness doesn't just affect emotional wellness in aging adults. It can also cause physical health problems. The American Medical Association reported that loneliness is associated with a 32% higher risk of stroke and a 29% increased risk of heart disease.
When our mobility is not as good as it used to be, finding the energy and motivation to get out and socialize is harder. This can be frustrating and stressful. Additionally, chronic pain can add to our stress, reducing our enjoyment in life.
If you are dealing with a chronic illness, such as diabetes or heart disease, simply managing your disease can be stressful. Organizing and taking medication becomes a daily source of stress.
If you are concerned that your stress is getting out of hand, do not despair. The following stress reduction techniques and relaxation tips for older adults can help you make lasting changes for a more enjoyable life.
At times, reducing stress may be as simple as removing the source. Consider two examples common to seniors: home management stress and loneliness.
If replacing siding, arranging lawn services, and planning roof replacements are overwhelmingly stressful, why not consider moving to a senior living community? At these oases of calm, you don't have to worry about a thing. From the landscaping to the maintenance of your apartment, everything is taken care of for you.
If you struggle to get out of the house to see people, move to where people are! In an assisted living community, there are always interesting, like-minded people on hand to talk to and have fun with.
From mindfulness for seniors to deep breathing exercises, there are many ways to reduce stress and embrace a more relaxed way of life.
Deep breathing, for example, can be practiced anywhere and can quieten the sympathetic nervous system. It reduces feelings of stress and anxiety and is a great starting point for people who are new to relaxation techniques.
Getting out in nature, enjoying fresh air, and even having a good laugh are also great ways to naturally reduce feelings of stress.
Some seniors find that certain supplements can help them reduce feelings of stress. Of course, always check with your doctor before starting any supplements to ensure they are safe for you and do not interact with medications you may be taking.
One supplement that is popular for stress reduction in magnesium. It can help to regulate the nervous system, reduce cortisol, and help you get a good night's sleep.
As we get older, it can become harder to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Muscatine seniors who live alone may struggle with the motivation to prepare healthy meals when they live alone.
However, a good diet is essential to reducing stress, as it can:
It is also important to drink enough water. Staying hydrated helps our brains function well. The National Council on Aging reports that this helps us stay mentally sharp and keeps our emotions stable.
Don't worry - we are not expecting you to start running marathons. Something as simple as armchair workouts designed for seniors is enough to get the blood pumping.
Exercise releases feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. These act as natural stimulants that can help reduce pain and stress.
This year's Stress Awareness Month is a great chance to take stock and reflect on what causes stress in your life. For many Muscatine seniors, simply cleaning and maintaining a family home is stressful, even after retirement. If that's the case for you, why not simplify your life at Addington Place of Muscatine?
At our assisted living community, you can enjoy your own home with none of the stress! We offer private apartments in beautiful grounds, and you will never have to lift a finger. Plus, our 24/7 caretaker support provides reassurance that reduces anxiety.
Come and see for yourself what life is like at Addington Place of Muscatine. Contact us today to arrange a free tour.