The retirement years may become stressful, and many aging adults fear growing old alone. Fortunately, there are some simple strategies seniors can adopt to keep problems like anxiety, stress, and depression at bay.
Jefferson County, CO, elderly care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. Here are a few stress reduction tips for seniors.
1. Avoid Sweeping Concerns Under the Rug
Aging adults should jot down their concerns and discuss them with family members or financial counselors later on, especially when managing finance-related issues. Taking steps to resolve small problems before they spiral out of control is better than pretending the problems don’t exist at all.
2. Establish a Support Team
There may be times when seniors fail to take action simply because they don’t know the right actions to take. Family members should arrange support teams so their aging loved ones know where to go with specific questions and concerns. Having an action plan to address health or financial concerns is an excellent way to prevent stress.
3. Identify Resources
There are a number of social and community resources seniors can turn to when facing financial trouble. These include low-cost transportation services for elderly and disabled people, food pantries, meal delivery services, and free or low-cost counseling.
4. Take Classes at a Recreation Center
Getting out and socializing is an effective way to relieve stress. Classes at senior recreation centers keep aging adults engaged by challenging their minds and exposing them to like-minded individuals. Talking about troubling life changes with peers can be cathartic for seniors and make it easier for them to work through difficult emotions.
5. Engage in Meditation, Mindfulness, and Diaphragmatic Breathing
Stress can have a significant impact on a person’s physical health. Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and diaphragmatic breathing are good for keeping away negative thoughts, and they can also have a positive impact on the heart rate and brain wave patterns. Engaging in stress relieving activities that promote calmness and focus can also make it easier for seniors to work through many of their problems.
6. Ask for Help
It’s important for seniors to feel comfortable about asking for help. Changes in mobility and cognitive functioning often make it difficult for aging adults to maintain complete independence. Seniors should know how to reach out for help when they need it, even if this means connecting with local advocates for the elderly or other social service organizations.
For many seniors in Jefferson County, CO, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
7. Engage in Routine Exercise
Working out is one of the most effective ways to beat stress at every stage of life. However, seniors don’t have to engage in rigorous activities to boost their mood. Aging adults can take long afternoon walks, cycle on stationary bicycles, or consider low-impact workouts.
According to the latest studies, stress is associated with higher risks of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and several other forms of cognitive decline. A dementia diagnosis can be difficult for seniors and their families to face. If you need help caring for your aging loved one while he or she manages the challenges of dementia, turn to Home Care Assistance of Jefferson County. Dementia care isn’t the only thing we specialize in. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers are also trained to assist seniors during stroke recovery and help those living with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s maintain a higher quality of life. To learn more about our senior care plans, call one of our professional Care Managers at (303) 987-5992 today.