As people grow old, they may have to face many stress-causing factors that are exclusive to their life stage and lifestyle.
Some of the common reasons for stress in elderly individuals are:
Health: One of the major causes of stress in elderly. Chronic health diseases, decreasing mobility, chronic pain, and physical health problems can cause stress and effect quality of life. Each disease has its implications on health and can cause disability in one or more important activities. For example, osteoarthritis is a common health issue of elderly individuals. It can impact walking, and if severe, can cause difficulty in walking, sitting, and slightest of daily activities. Similarly, obesity is interconnected with many other health complaints like aggravating diabetes or heart diseases and even osteoarthritis. Forgetfulness or dementia are few more conditions which can make them more vulnerable.
Independence: Getting restricted movement because of the diseases can make them more dependent for mobility. Elderly people may feel worried or anxious about losing their independence, such as being unable to walk, drive or requiring help with daily activities, and similarly, financial dependence on kids.
Financial: External factor but one of the important for livelihood. Elderly people may worry about their retirement savings or face financial challenges due to unpredicted medical expenses or lack of a fixed income. As one grows elderly, they cannot go to work or work to earn. For this, they have to be dependent on a fixed income for their monthly expenditure either on pension (which is not available for all) or on money given by their kids. Although in both cases, it is unpredictable. In India, not all senior citizens get a pension or have savings, so mostly they have to be dependent on money offered by their kids.
Relationships: Changes in family setup, such as the loss of a spouse, can cause emotional stress and loneliness, and even relationships with their children or those whom they are dependent on for their financial help. Loneliness is one of the major causes of depression in elderly.
Social isolation: Elderly people may experience social isolation due to physical limitations or changes in their social networks. If they are ill or cannot go out on their own, they would be dependent on their kids to take them out, which will limit their social gatherings and exposures. Which in turn can limit their conversation and sharing.
To manage and reduce stress in elderly individuals, it's important to recognize the cause of the stress and deal with it accordingly. Here are some ways that may help:
Movement: Exercise can improve overall health and mood and reduce stress. We should encourage them to do the same by introducing them to different groups (Social groups in societies or senior citizen groups) like we do it for our kids.
Taking out time to go for walk with them. And arranging a caretaker to take them for walk.
Relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques can help manage stress and anxiety. Be it at home or giving them exposure outside. Helping them to utilize present-day technology like online classes, etc., if they cannot go outside. Talking to them about their day or encouraging them to pursue their forgotten hobbies like reading, art etc. As keeping oneself busy is the best way to utilize their time and staying happy.
Social connections: Encourage elderly people to stay connected with likeminded friends and family and participate in social activities by including them in day-to-day activities at home or even our surroundings. Guiding them to subscribe to some useful channels on the internet or on TV.
Encourage them to learn something new which can help them to engage their mind. It is a life stage where seniors may experience depression due to issues such as financial dependency or loneliness."
Professional help: If we observe some mental health issues, we should seek proper medical guidance to deal with that. Elderly people may benefit from counseling to help them manage stress and cope with life changes.
Medical checkup: Scheduling their regular health checkup to screen their health status and to take appropriate timely measures. Guiding them to take care of themselves and getting them screened time to time to rule out health risk markers.
Ensure proper nutrition and sleep: Eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep can help improve overall health and reduce stress levels. We should take their proper care by providing them nutritious food.
Provide support: Most importantly, giving them the feeling of being respected: by talking to them about their importance in the family and even taking advice for some important decisions, so they feel respected. Offer emotional support and provide help with tasks.
Not making them caretakers of our kids: It is a common practice for parents to leave their children under the care of grandparents to save money on paid caretakers. However, old age poses challenges for their own physical needs. Why should we expect them to manage our kids who are super active?
By addressing the fundamental causes of stress and implementing effective stress management strategies, elderly people can improve their overall well-being and enjoy a better quality of life.