It’s estimated that 10 to 20 percent of seniors suffer from anxiety disorders, which are the most common mental health condition. Older folks experience anxiety from being dependent on others or worrying about finances. They grieve over the loss of loved ones, suffer from social isolation or loneliness, and have a fear of falling or some other medical emergency.
Telltale signs of anxiety are irritability, being easily startled, having difficulty sleeping, and becoming socially distant. Physical manifestations include headaches, nausea, digestive issues, and a racing heartbeat.
Blue Moon Senior Counseling offers 10 ways for seniors to cope with anxiety:
- Breathing exercises to manage physiological symptoms
- Mindfulness to focus on the present, not the past or future
- Physical activity through regular exercise
- Diet changes for proper nutrition
- Social interaction to combat loneliness
- Routines to add predictability
- Sleeping habits that eliminate distractions
- Relaxing hobbies to calm down
- Consulting a doctor to rule out medical issues
- Getting professional counseling and therapy
Your Finances Shouldn’t be a Source of Anxiety
The less you have to worry about money, the less chance of having anxiety. Here at Council of Seniors, we’re committed to getting Congress to pass The SAVE Benefits Act. Because the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in some recent years has been totally inadequate, this bill is a high priority. We need it in order to return $581 to eligible seniors.
Signing our petition and encouraging others to do that too will help us show Washington politicians Americans want action now!
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